Day 38 of Lent Thursday April 17th 2025
Mark 14: 17-26 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”
19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely you don’t mean me?”
20 “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”
23 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.
24 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 25 “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Matthew 26: 36-55 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Jesus Arrested
47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Day 38 of Lent – The Gift of Love and Sacrifice
Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Triduum, the sacred three days leading to Easter. On this day, we reflect on Jesus’ humility and self-giving love as He washes the feet of His disciples. In this act, He demonstrates what it means to serve and love one another, even when it requires humility and sacrifice.
As we contemplate the Last Supper, we are reminded of the institution of the Eucharist. Jesus offers Himself as the Bread of Life, inviting us to partake in His body and blood, drawing us into deeper communion with Him. His words, “Do this in remembrance of me,” call us to live lives of love, service, and selflessness.
Meditation Questions:
- How can I embody Christ’s example of servant leadership in my daily life?
- Are there areas of my life where I struggle to serve others with humility?
- How can I deepen my appreciation for the gift of the Eucharist?
Action:
Spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament today, reflecting on the gift of the Eucharist. Consider performing an act of service for someone in need, emulating Christ’s humility and love.
Morning Reflection:
On this Holy Thursday, take time to reflect on the profound humility of Jesus as He washes the feet of His disciples. Consider His words in John 13:14-15: “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” How can you humble yourself today to serve others in love and sincerity? Pray for the grace to embody Christ’s servant heart in your daily life.
Afternoon Reflection:
As we prepare to commemorate the Last Supper, reflect on the gift of the Eucharist. In Luke 22:19, Jesus says, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Consider the depth of His love and sacrifice, offering Himself completely for our salvation. Spend a few moments in gratitude for this sacred gift and ask yourself how you can live in remembrance of Christ’s love today and every day.
Evening Reflection:
As night falls, meditate on Jesus’ time in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prayed in anguish yet submitted to the Father’s will. In Matthew 26:39, He prays, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Reflect on areas in your life where you struggle to surrender to God’s will. Ask for the courage to trust in His plan, even when it is difficult, and end the day with a prayer of surrender, echoing Christ’s words, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, on this Holy Thursday, You show us the ultimate example of love and humility. Help me to follow in Your footsteps, serving others with a humble heart. May I always approach the Eucharist with gratitude and reverence, remembering Your sacrifice for me. Teach me to love as You have loved, so that my life may reflect Your grace and mercy. Amen.