Today's readings: April 9, 2009
Holy Thursday, Chrism Mass
Reading One: Is 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 89:21-22, 25 and 27 ;
Reading Two: Rv 1:5-8;
Gospel: Lk 4:16-21;
Today's readings: April 9, 2009
Holy Thursday, Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper
Reading One: Ex 12:1-8, 11-14;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18 ;
Reading Two: 1 Cor 11:23-26;
Gospel: Jn 13:1-15;
In Charlotte, the Chrism Mass was on Tuesday and I lucky to be there to celebrate. The Chrism mass comes once a year where all the priests, deacons, nuns, religious, and seminarians from all over the diocese come together to celebrate mass and bless the Holy Oils used in baptism, annointing the sick, marriage, Holy Orders, and confirmation.. It was a wonderful and memorable experience.
Thursday night is also the night of the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper. This will be the last day to celebrate mass until Good Friday, the only day of the year no mass is offered. God's Word reflects upon service of others, and for service of others needs - made perfectly clear by Jesus who washes the feet of His disciples. The greatest of all, God Himself, humbles Himself to wash the feet of His fellow men. Jesus is both God and man. But this night, He washes our lowly feet, as God. And as a brother, a man. In the Catholic church, we follow the structure of the mass as a solemnity with the added rite of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. After mass, there will be adoration until midnight. Then the blessed sacrament will be be taken away for the long and difficult day, Good Friday. The choir sings traditional songs of lament in minor keys. The focus is strongly on what Jesus will have to endure, and it is a very solemn mass.
If you would like to see a view from above of the Garden of Gethsemane - Check this link out. Then select a satellite view.
