A mysterious silence enveloped the hundreds gathered at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington April 2. Then, the silence was broken by the triumphant notes of the organ, as the faithful sang, “Lift High the Cross.”
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge processed into the cathedral, marking the start of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and the Easter Triduum, which lasts from Holy Thursday evening to Easter Sunday.
The Holy Thursday Mass celebrates three gifts Jesus gave to his church, Bishop Burbidge said in his homily: “the holy Eucharist, priesthood and an example to follow.”
He quoted Archbishop Fulton Sheen, who is set to be beatified in September, “The greatest love story ever told is contained in a little white host.”
“It is a love story written not in ink, but in blood,” Bishop Burbidge said. “Our Lord gives us his body and blood not because we are perfect or without sin, but because we are loved. So great is that love that every time we approach this altar to receive holy Communion, we are reconciled, nourished, forgiven and healed.” He encouraged the faithful to bring their personal crosses to Christ as they received the Eucharist that evening, asking him for healing.
Holy Thursday also marks the institution of the priesthood, Bishop Burbidge said. He quoted Pope John Paul II: “There can be no Eucharist without the priesthood, just as there can be no priesthood without the Eucharist.” Just as Jesus washed his disciples’ feet at the Last Supper, so should we follow his loving example in daily life, “when we put their needs before our own; say only the good things others need to hear; listen attentively to those who need our time; give of ourselves sacrificially to serve the poor, the sick, the lonely and those calling out for our help,” Bishop Burbidge said.
After the homily, 12 seminarians brought forth chairs and sat in front of the sanctuary. Bishop Burbidge then rolled up his sleeves, and with a basin and a pitcher of water, began to wash the seminarians’ feet, representing Jesus at the Last Supper.
The Mass did not end with a final blessing. Instead, Bishop Burbidge opened wide the doors of the tabernacle, and, after censing the Eucharist, processed outside the cathedral and downstairs into Burke Hall, where an altar of repose stood, decorated with flowers, representing the Garden of Gethsemane. As the Eucharist was placed on the altar of repose, all silently knelt in prayer. Many prayed before the altar until midnight, obeying Christ’s request to his disciples in the garden: “Remain here and keep watch.” (Mk 14:34)
