The Pilgrims' New Passover of Hope (Last Supper)

We gather on this Holy Thursday to begin the Paschal Triduum, we enter together into the holiest moment of our liturgical year—the sacred journey from suffering to Resurrection. This year, during the Jubilee Year themed Pilgrims of Hope, we are reminded that our faith journey is one of hope moving forward, hope born of Christ’s self-giving love and sacrifice. Just as the Israelites were pilgrims led by God’s mighty hand out of slavery into freedom during the first Passover, so too are we pilgrims on a path of hope, navigating life’s trials while trusting in the new life Christ won for us through His Body and Blood. Tonight we reflect on this journey, how Jesus invites us to share in His sacrifice, follow His humble servant leadership, and live out His commandment of love and forgiveness.

The New Passover and the Sacrament of the Eucharist

• Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Paschal Triduum, starting with the remembrance of the Last Supper Jesus shared with His disciples before His Passion.

• The first reading recalls the original Passover in Egypt, where God delivered the Israelites from slavery through Moses, the sacrifice of an unblemished lamb, and the blood marked on doorposts to save the Israelites from the Tenth Plague (Exodus 12).

• Jesus redefines the Passover at the Last Supper: instead of the lamb’s blood, His own Body and Blood become the new Passover sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

• The Last Supper was earlier than the traditional Passover meal, as the actual sacrifice of the true Passover Lamb—Jesus—occurred on Good Friday (John 19:31-37).

• Through the Eucharist, Christ’s sacrifice is made present to the Church, establishing a New Covenant that frees us from sin and death.

        In what ways can I more deeply participate in the Eucharist as a personal encounter with the Paschal Lamb?

The Ministerial Priesthood and Servant Leadership

• Jesus instituted the Ministerial Priesthood at the Last Supper, entrusting priests to continue His sacred sacrifice through the Mass.

• In the Gospel of John (John 13:1-17), Jesus humbly washes His disciples’ feet, an act of servant leadership symbolizing His self-giving love.

• This gesture is a model for all Christians, but especially priests and bishops who serve God’s people as humble servants.

• True Christian leadership is expressed not through power or domination but through loving service to the poorest, weakest, and marginalized.

        How can I embody servant leadership in my community, family, or workplace? What does humble service look like in daily life, especially toward those in need?

The Commandment of Love and Forgiveness

• Jesus commands His disciples, “You also must wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14), a call to imitate His love and humility.

• This “Mandatum” extends to loving those who are marginalized, enemies, and those who have persecuted us.

• Jesus’s forgiving love, shown even on the Cross, invites us to follow His example of mercy and compassion.

• As we journey through the Paschal Triduum, we reflect on Christ’s immense love and allow it to inspire us to love boldly and forgive freely.

        Who in my life needs forgiveness or a demonstration of Christ-like love? How can I grow in forgiving others and serving with compassion as Jesus did?

As Pilgrims of Hope journeying through this Jubilee Year, the Paschal Triduum calls us to deepen our faith and commitment. Through the Eucharist, we receive the strength to persevere; through humble service, we learn to love as Christ loves; through forgiveness, we witness the power of God’s mercy in our lives. Let this holy time renew us so that, moved by hope, we may walk together as a community united in Christ’s love—ready to face the challenges ahead with courage and trust. May the celebration of this sacred Triduum fill our hearts with joy, peace, and an unwavering hope in the resurrection promise.