On the Mysteries of Holy Thursday
A guided reflection by Christina Betta
Tonight Jesus gave us his very body and blood in the sacrament of the Eucharist. This speaks of a love that could not bear separation. But by doing this he also showed his humility and made himself vulnerable. Reflect on the love of the Lord to persist in giving us this gift despite the fact that many would abuse or neglect him in this sacrament.
Tonight Jesus also instituted the priesthood with the washing of the feet. While a select few have their feet physically washed at Mass, the Lord desires to wash each of our feet. What is your reaction as he approaches you? What is your reaction at the idea of doing the same for others?
Saint Therese said:
“I understood that every flower created by Him is beautiful, that the brilliance of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not lessen the perfume of the violet or the sweet simplicity of the daisy. I understood that if all the lowly flowers wished to be roses, nature would no longer be enameled with lovely hues. And so it is in the world of souls, Our Lord's living garden.”
Tonight the Lord is in this garden of our souls and you are one of those flowers. Whether a simple daisy or a lovely rose, the Lord has planted you here and delights in you. What does it feel like being in that garden with him? Can you feel the blood dripping from his brow? Does he see you there with him? What is his reaction to your presence?
In the garden, the guards come to collect Jesus. The first inclination of the apostles (and maybe within our own hearts) is to take up arms. A man is injured in the midst of the chaos, the last healing we hear of before Jesus’ passion and death. Who is this man? What might his reaction have been after being healed by the man who he came to arrest?
Tonight St. Peter, the rock on which the Church is built, denies Jesus. After Jesus allows him so intimately into his heart for years, Peter denies him in one moment. Scripture tells us that Jesus looked at Peter when Peter realized his denial, one of likely his worst moments. What does it look like to have Jesus see us at our worst? What is the look that you see in Jesus’ eyes? Condemnation? Disappointment? Love? Bring these to the Lord and say a special prayer for all priests but especially those who are struggling.
Tonight almost all of Jesus’ friends abandoned him, not to mention his friend who betrayed him. There were few that chose to walk this path with him. How have you experienced abandonment or betrayal from others? Can you bring these wounds to Jesus and ask for the grace to begin the process of forgiveness? Name those who have hurt you most in prayer.
It is said that the betrayal of Judas was not as displeasing as his despair and lack of trust in the mercy of God. Dwell on the great mercy God offers us. How can I embrace this mercy and share it more with others?
Tonight Jesus subjected himself to human powers but said no word to defend himself. Can I sit in this place of silence with him tonight and share some of the pain of false accusations that are thrown at him? What kind of graces do I need from the Lord to do this in my own life?
Padre Pio said:
“The glorified Jesus is beautiful, but it seems to me that the crucified Jesus is even more so. Therefore, my son, love being on the cross more than being at the foot of the cross; love being in agony with Jesus in the garden more than having empathy for him in the garden, because you will resemble the Divine Prototype more this way...”
These are hard words. Can we pray to God to share in a small part of Jesus’ Passion? If not, can we just ask for the increased desire as a starting place?
Padre Pio continues:
“Always keep before your mind’s eye the obedience of Jesus in the garden and on the cross; he obeyed in immense conflict with no respite...Jesus’ obedience was excellent, and the more bitter it was the more beautiful it was. Your soul has never been more acceptable to God than it is now that you are obeying and serving God in dryness and out of sheer faith. Am I being clear here? Be peaceful and joyful, and do not have any doubts at all about the assurances of the one who is now guiding your soul.”
How obedient am I? What are the limits of my obedience to God? Can I find peace and joy in this night with the Lord and where God has placed me?
Christina Betta lives in Catonsville, works as a veterinarian, and continues her slow march toward becoming a regular contributor to Ecclesia Christi Baltimore.
 | A guest post by
|