In the opening of the Sacred Triduum, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge told those attending the Mass of the Lord’s Supper that they were celebrating “the most precious gift of all.”
Bishop Burbidge emphasized in his homily at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More April 17 that, “We never receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist in a casual or passive way, or take this gift for granted, but rather with reverence and joy,” he said. “And our reverence is not determined by the exterior way we receive the Lord — standing or kneeling, in our hands or on our tongue, but rather with an interior disposition that acknowledges and says, ‘Lord, I am not worthy.’ ”
The solemn nature of the Mass in celebration of the institution of the Eucharist was demonstrated as Bishop Burbidge washed the feet of seminarians, reenacting the moment when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples in the Gospel of John 13:1-5.
“Just reflect on the many times and ways the Lord has done the same for you, washed away your sins, gave you a clean and pure heart, healed your wounds, and restored you to physical, spiritual, and emotional health,” said Bishop Burbidge. “We are called to bring hope to others, including perhaps family members and friends, and especially those who are distressed and despairing, fearful and anxious, maybe feeling alone or lost in life. We bring them hope as we wash their feet. We do so when we give them what they need the most from us, our time, attention, and respect.”
St. Thomas More parishioner Luz Martinez arrived an hour before Mass to pray. “The Eucharist is the center of my life,” she said. “It is the living bread, and how can I not come to adore, to worship our Lord in the Eucharist? It’s such a gift for mankind.”
Following the prayer after Communion, Bishop Burbidge blessed the Blessed Sacrament with incense, then led a procession outside the cathedral to the altar of response in Burke Hall. He placed the sacrament in the tabernacle, knelt, and prayed as those in the procession quietly filled the room.
“The Mass of the Lord’s Supper has always had a special place in my heart,” said Phil Bongiono. “This is the marquee entrance into the fullness of the triduum. It’s almost overwhelming.”
The overflow crowd of worshippers remained in complete silence to adore the Lord and some remained until midnight.
“On this sacred night, we offer responses of gratitude for the Lord’s precious gifts he gave to us on the night before he died for us,” said Bishop Burbidge. “We promise anew to have reverence and awe for the Holy Eucharist, to pray daily for our priests and to imitate the humble service of Jesus who washed the feet of his disciples and said, ‘I have given you a model to follow, and as I have done for you, you should also do.’ ”
