April 9, Holy Thursday

Our blessing cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ. -- 1 Corinthians 10:16

Mass readings: Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper: Exodus 12:1-8,11-14 / 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 / John 13:1-15

'In Memory of Me'

In today's second reading, St. Paul tells of the Last Supper when Jesus gave His body and blood to His disciples under the signs of bread and wine and instructed them, ''Do this in remembrance of me.'' Matthew, Mark and Luke also record this event. John, instead, tells us how Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and instructed them to do likewise. Why the difference? Perhaps John wants to emphasize that the fruit of our communion with Christ is service of one another. Jesus teaches that ''unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you'' (John 6:53). That life expresses itself in love.

Our Christian life is both communion with Jesus and concern for one another, all in remembrance of Him.

Prayer: Lord, make me a sign of Your love.