HOPE40 - Day 38 - Poured Out In Love

Katie Donahue
Apr 16
4 min read

Holy Thursday

click above to read in full

“If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.”—John 13:14

Today we enter into the Triduum - beginning with Holy Thursday, the night of the Last Supper. In one profound evening, Jesus shares His final meal with His disciples and He:

Institutes the Eucharist, offering His Body and Blood as the new covenant.
Establishes the priesthood, calling His followers to serve as He serves.
Gives the great commandment to love one another as He has loved us.

And then, the Son of God kneels and washes feet.

Jesus, the King of Kings, becomes the servant of all.

What does this mean for us?

Holy Thursday invites us to receive love and to give it in return. It’s a day to remember the sacredness of fellowship at the table, the Eucharist, and humble service. We are called to pour ourselves out in love just as He did.

What to Do:

Go to Mass this evening for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Linger with Him in prayer afterward, remembering His time in Gethsemane.
Participate in the Seven Churches Visitation Tradition, inspired by St. Philip Neri. After Holy Thursday Mass, Catholics traditionally visit seven different churches to pray at each altar of repose, recalling the seven stops Jesus made from the Last Supper to His crucifixion. It is a beautiful way to stay awake with Him in prayer.
Make a Mediterranean dinner symbolic of the region and foods Christ would have eaten. Include flatbread, olives, fish or lamb, grapes, and simple wine or juice. Share the meal with reverence and joy. See the charcuterie idea below.

LET US PRAY

My Sweet Jesus, on this sacred night, You bent low to wash the feet of Your friends. You gave us the gift of the Eucharist - Your Body, broken and poured out for us. You called us to love as You have loved. Teach me how to serve with humility, to cherish the Eucharist with reverence, and to stay awake with You in prayer. As You pour Yourself out for me, help me to pour myself out for others. Anchor me in hope when the road grows dark. Let this night mark a new beginning in my walk with You. I receive Your love. I receive Your call on my life to discover and do what you have made me for. Help me to love until the end. Amen

HOPE For Your Health - Making Space for Christ

THURSDAY: 16:8

FRIDAY: Extended fast from Thursday after dinner until Friday at 3PM (if you are able).

SATURDAY: 16:8 or you may choose to not fast, but keep meals simple and light, preparing for the great feast of Easter.

Reminders: 16:8 means fasting for 16 hours (water, tea, broth, black coffee) and 8 hours for eating healthy and nourishing food. NO alcohol, sugar or white flour.

Encouragement for Today:

Remember: fasting is a way of making space for something greater. Just as Jesus poured Himself out at the Last Supper, you pour yourself out a little through the sacrifice of food. Choose to hunger for what truly satisfies.

Nutrition Tip:

Break your fast today with a simple, nourishing Mediterranean meal rich in olive oil, protein (like fish or legumes), and whole grains (like spelt bread). These foods support steady energy, heart health, and brain clarity, giving your body the strength to serve in love.

HOPE For Your Marriage: Give Everything

Tonight, Jesus gives everything. He washes feet. He shares a meal. He loves without measure. What if tonight, you imitated that in your marriage?

Take time to pray together before or after dinner. Serve your spouse in a small but meaningful way...maybe it’s doing the dishes, writing a love note, or offering a shoulder massage. Reflect together on what it means to pour yourselves out in love.

REFLECTION

Where can I love you more like Christ tonight?

HOLY THURSDAY CHARCUTERIE BOARD

These days of the Triduum, I like to keep our meals clean, simple and whole foods based. A Holy Thursday charcuterie board can be a beautiful, symbolic, and Mediterranean-inspired way to commemorate the Last Supper.

Here’s a list of thematic and meaningful ingredients you can include, with connections to Holy Thursday and the time of Jesus:

INGREDIENTS

Breads (symbol of the Eucharist)

Flatbread or pita
Rustic sourdough
Unleavened crackers or matzo
Spelt

Cheeses
Feta (classic Mediterranean)
Goat cheese (common in Israel)
Manchego or other aged varieties

Olives & Oils
Mixed olives (green, kalamata, stuffed)
Olive oil for dipping
Tapenade spread

Fish (early Christian symbol)
Smoked salmon
Tuna in olive oil
Anchovy filets (optional, for bold flavor and symbolism)

Fruits & Vegetables
Grapes (symbolic of wine)
Figs and dates (traditional Holy Land fruits)
Cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips
Roasted chickpeas or hummus
Artichoke hearts or grape leaves

Extras
Honey (land of milk and honey)
Nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts)
Dried apricots or raisins
Wine or grape juice (symbol of the cup at the Last Supper)

Presentation Tips
Arrange in the shape of a cross or a circle for deeper meaning.
Add rosemary sprigs or fig leaves for a Mediterranean touch.
Light candles