A Holy Thursday Reflection
Pope Francis washes the feet of women during a Holy Thursday service.
Today, we begin one of the most sacred times of the year. The Easter Triduum. It is a great day when we remember the gift of the Eucharist. This gift of finest wheat has been given to us by God to give us strength to continue in life. It is not reserved only for “good” people. It's not something that can be denied.
During my college years, I attended daily mass at the International Shrine of St. Jude in New Orleans. I was not having the best day, and living through a moment of “Why do we do this?”. While I was leaving there was a couple in front of me, and the woman whispered to her partner, “I love the Eucharist. It makes me feel good.” Upon hearing that, my heart simply melted and I was reminded of the why.
I have had the privilege of being an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist and was blessed to bring communion to my wife’s grandmother. She was in her late 80s. At the time, she called her wife and shared some of her woes. I overheard and asked, “Would you like me to bring you some communion?”. She responded with a passionate “Yes”. The Eucharist is special to our faith, and it inspires many to keep their hand on the gospel plow.
Today, the church also recognizes the priesthood. We acknowledge the men who have sacrificed their lives and have built the people’s church. We also hold that the decisions that have shaped the current state of priesthood as male, single, and straight; has limited the growth of the Body of God. We lift the many that have and are being called to the priesthood and have been rejected due to gender, marital status, or sexual orientation. We call for Church leadership to move forward with reexamining the priesthood to hear the voice of God in the world today. We call for reform of the priesthood to keep the Eucharist in the world. Every Catholic is a baptized Priest, Prophet, and King; we call for the Church to recognize these Baptismal rights. Not to simply be “Woke,” but to be the light of Christ in the world today. God is in every one of us. We are all worthy of the ability to transubstantiate.
Tonight, we remember what Jesus did for us, and because he did it for us.
Let us live it out in the world today.
Black Moses is the Call to Action Executive Director. He is based in New Orleans.
