Holy Thursday 2020 St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish
Introduction
Although our Holy Thursday 2020 community celebration is interrupted by the
worldwide pandemic, we cannot give up the good habits that will keep us safe in health
and in faith. Remembering the good things of the past will help reassure us of the good
things yet to come. From whom then do we pick up inspiration of best practices during
this crisis?
Theme: “For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”
(John 13:15)
Observe the Passover as a perpetual ordinance
Private or community celebration of the Passover is a way to continue the saving works
of God. The celebration of the Passover is a way to be part of the saving moments of
God. In all generations, God has given signs to people to stay safe and sound:
“The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live:
when I see the blood, I will pass over you,
and no plague shall destroy you
when I strike the land of Egypt.
This day shall be a day of remembrance for you.
You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord;
throughout your generations
you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.” (Exodus 12: 13-14)
God saved the people of Israel in times of crisis (suffering, pandemics, plagues, and
exile). He is the same God during these times of stress, anxiety, fear and all kinds of
uncertainties. He is able to ensure that the pandemic pass us over.
Do this in remembrance of me
What can we do to stay healthy and hopeful that God who saved people in the past will
save us, now that we need his help most? St. Paul encouraged the New Testament
community of Corinth that they should continue to break bread and offer the cup of blood
in order to remember the saving works of Jesus Christ. St. Paul encouraged them to break
the bread and drink from the cup of the blood of Christ in order to proclaim or announce
to the whole world the works of Jesus Christ. Holy Thursday is the celebration of part of
the works of Christ. Holy Thursday is the proclamation of part of the works of Christ.
Holy Thursday is the Institution of the Thanksgiving (Eucharist):
“and when he had given thanks,
he broke it and said,
“This is my body that is for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying,
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup,
you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11.24-26)
The Eucharist as a source of inspiration and an exemplar of service
Can we imagine a city, municipality and country where the government does not provide
services (road, hospitals, banks, schools, cash flow, order, justice, peace, etc.)? In like
manner, starting the night before he suffered (that is, Holy Thursday) Jesus inspires all
believers to be part of the spiritual services he provides:
“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands,
and that he had come from God and was going to God,
got up from the table,
took off his outer robe,
and tied a towel around himself.
Then he poured water into a basin
and began to wash the disciples’ feet
and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him.” (John 12:3-5)
Jesus taught his followers that the greatest human vocation is that of being the service of
the works of God: “For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done
to you” (John 13:15). The celebration of the Eucharist is the source of strength so that the
believers who accept to continue the works of spiritual services offered by Christ might
not forget the purpose of service, might not get weary, might not get empty, might not get
wiped out.
Conclusions
What are the signs of our difficult times? How can we better nourish our lives amidst the
health risks all around us? Let us turn to Jesus who showed us the example of helping
each other with the bread, with the cup, with the word, with the prayer, and with the
sacred rituals. May the blood of Christ fortify us all against the snare of the dangerous
pathological or spiritual virus.