Mass of the Lord's Supper

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) - The Last Supper (1495-1498)

Mass of the Lord's Supper

The Mass of the Lord's Supper is a significant liturgical celebration in the Roman Catholic Church and other Christian denominations. It is observed on Maundy Thursday, which is the Thursday before Easter. This Mass commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his Apostles, during which he instituted the Eucharist and the priesthood.

Liturgical Significance

The Mass of the Lord's Supper marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, the three-day period that includes Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and culminates in the Easter Vigil. It is a time of profound reflection on the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Rituals and Traditions

During the Mass of the Lord's Supper, several unique rituals are performed:

• Washing of the Feet: This ritual, known as the Mandatum, involves the celebrant washing the feet of twelve parishioners, symbolizing Jesus' act of humility and service to his disciples.
• Presentation of the Holy Oils: The oils blessed during the Chrism Mass are presented to the congregation.
• Transfer of the Eucharist: After the Mass, the Blessed Sacrament is transferred to an altar of repose, where the faithful are invited to spend time in adoration.

Scriptural Readings

The scriptural readings for the Mass of the Lord's Supper typically include:

• A reading from the Book of Exodus recounting the Passover.
• A passage from the First Epistle to the Corinthians where Saint Paul describes the institution of the Eucharist.
• A reading from the Gospel of John detailing the washing of the feet.

Historical Context

The Mass of the Lord's Supper has its roots in the early Christian communities who gathered to commemorate the Last Supper. Over the centuries, the liturgy has evolved, incorporating various traditions and rituals that highlight the significance of the Eucharist and the call to service.

Modern Observance

In contemporary practice, the Mass of the Lord's Supper is celebrated with great solemnity. Churches are often decorated with flowers, and the liturgy is marked by a sense of anticipation and reverence. The faithful are encouraged to participate fully in the rituals and to reflect on the profound mysteries of faith commemorated during the Easter Triduum.

See Also

• Easter Triduum
• Maundy Thursday
• Last Supper
• Eucharist
• Good Friday
• Holy Saturday
• Easter Vigil