The Eucharist
Source and
Foundation of the Priesthood and the New Covenant
Tonight, we enter into the most sacred moments of our
faith. Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Paschal Mystery. On this night,
Jesus gives the Church three priceless gifts: the Eucharist, the priesthood,
and the commandment of love expressed in humble service. The Gospel of John
begins with a profound statement: “Having loved his own who were in the world,
he loved them to the end” (Jn 13:1–15).
These words reveal the heart of Jesus. His love is not partial or temporary; it
is complete and sacrificial.
During the Last Supper, Jesus rises from the table,
removes his outer garment, takes a towel, kneels, and washes the feet of his disciples.
In the culture of that time, washing feet was the task of the lowest servant.
Yet the Son of God takes the position of a servant. Peter is shocked and says,
“You will never wash my feet.” But Jesus replies, “Unless I wash you, you have
no share with me.” Through this action, Jesus teaches that true discipleship is
rooted in humility and service.
On this same night, Jesus institutes the Eucharist. St
Paul writes, “This is my body that is for you… This cup is the new covenant in
my blood” (1 Cor 11:23–26). Here, Jesus gives himself completely to humanity.
The Eucharist is not merely a symbol. It is the real presence of Christ. The
Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life (CCC). Every Mass
makes present the sacrifice of Christ and nourishes us with his own life. But
for the Eucharist to continue throughout history, Jesus also institutes the
priesthood. When He says, “Do this in memory of me,” he entrusts the apostles
with the mission of celebrating the Eucharist and shepherding his people. The
priest, therefore, acts in the person of Christ, serving the community and
nourishing it with the Word of God and the Body of Christ.
Priesthood is not a position of privilege but a
vocation of sacrifice and service. Just as Christ washed the feet of his
disciples, priests are called to serve the people with humility and compassion.
The early Church Fathers understood this connection between the Eucharist and
love. Augustine of Hippo taught that when we receive the Eucharist, we become
what we receive — the Body of Christ. And John Chrysostom reminded believers
that we cannot honor Christ at the altar while ignoring him in the poor. In
other words, the Eucharist must transform how we live.
Our world is often marked by division, inequality, and
indifference. Many people experience loneliness, poverty, and injustice. The
celebration of the Eucharist calls us to build communities of compassion and
solidarity. Every time we participate in the Eucharist, we are sent into the
world to continue Christ’s mission — to serve, to forgive, to reconcile, and to
love. If we truly receive the Eucharist, our lives will
reflect his love. Our families will become places of forgiveness, our communities’
places of service, and our world a little closer to the kingdom of God. As we
continue this sacred celebration, let us thank God for the gift of the
Eucharist, pray for our priests, and ask for the grace to live the commandment
Jesus gives tonight: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
“…he became for all who obey him
the source of eternal salvation”.
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