Holy Thursday
As we enter into the Triduum on this Holy Thursday, turn your heart towards Christ and see the immensity of love that led Him to give us the most precious gift of His continual presence with us in the Eucharist. As a Christian, you are called to take Christ with you out into the world. At the closing of every Mass, we are commissioned with the words: "Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life." Do you heed this call?
One way to answer this call and prove your love for God is by loving and serving your neighbor. Christ gives us the ultimate example in today's liturgy as He washes the feet of His disciples, and then gives a new commandment:
I give you a new commandment:
love one another.
As I have loved you,
so you also should love one another.
~John 13:34
Your neighbor may be your physical neighbor, your spouse, your friend, your coworker, etc. Sometimes bearing with your neighbor can be quite the challenge, but this challenge may be precisely what you need to practice and grow in charity. When you struggle to love and/or serve someone, remind yourself that ultimately, you are loving and serving God through that person.
spiritual
Make every effort to attend Holy Thursday Mass. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith and celebrating its institution is always such a beautiful experience. Jesus, the mortal man, will soon be put to death. However, Jesus, the Son of God, gives us the perpetual gift of Himself, to literally feed us until the end of time.
You who are mad about Your creature!
True God and true Man, You have left Yourself wholly to us,
as food, so that we will not fall through weariness
during our pilgrimage in this life, but will be fortified by You,
celestial Nourishment!
~St. Catherine of Siena
From Magnificat, Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper (pg. 116):
This evening's Gospel "contains a phrase that is the very core of what Jesus did for us: having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. Jesus loves us to the point of giving his life for us. And every one of us can say: He gave his life for me" (Pope Francis). It is not a coincidence that this assurance of the Lord's love is joined to the institution of both the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Holy Orders: Jesus continues to stoop, to wash us, to serve us, to sanctify us, and to love us through the priesthood and the Eucharist.
self
Did you know that your can love your neighbor through your thoughts and your words? Allow the grace of Christ to change the script of your thoughts, your way of thinking, and your words.
Don't say, "That person bothers me."
Think: "That person sanctifies me."
~St. Josemaria Escriva
service
Finally, you can love and serve your neighbor in your deeds. Caring for the people God has placed in your life and in your daily path with kindness and respect actually helps to simplify your life because you are eliminating a lot of drama and angst. If you cross paths with someone who consistently annoys you or offends you, smile and be kind. Be the first to apologize in an argument or disagreement. You can also love by treating others as you would like to be treated.
Keep Christ at the center of your thoughts, words and deeds.
I have given you a model to follow,
so that as I have done for you, you should also do.
Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him.
If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.
~John 13:15-17
today's recipe
First, I have some Holy Thursday meal ideas. We like to keep things SIMPLE with a charcuterie board featuring at the very least, flatbread (easy sourdough pita) and grapes to call to mind the Last Supper. I will make some homemade hummus and have carrots, bell peppers and celery for dipping, along with a small selection of cheese, crackers and cured meats.
If you are looking for something a little more substantial, check out Catholic All Year's Holy Thursday Meal Plan.
It's fun to do something to commemorate the day and make memories with your kids.
For your Easter brunch:
PECAN SOUR CREAM COFFEE CAKE
This recipe was originally found on Allrecipes.com
Crumb Topping
1 1⁄2 cups pecans, finely chopped
1⁄3 cup sugar
1⁄3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons melted butter
Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
3⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream or creme fraiche
Directions
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8-inch by 10-inch baking dish.
~Mix pecans, 1/3 cup sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter thoroughly in a mixing bowl until all components are coated with butter, 3 to 4 minutes.
~In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
In another bowl, mix together butter and 1 cup sugar with a spatula until well blended. Add 1 egg and whisk until mixture is smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in second egg until thoroughly incorporated. Add vanilla and sour cream; whisk together. Add flour mixture to wet ingredients; whisk until flour disappears (do not over mix).
~Spread one half of the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Scatter one half of the crumb topping evenly over the top of the batter. Top with the rest of the batter and spread carefully to evenly distribute, trying not to disturb the crumbs. Top with the rest of the crumb topping. Very gently press crumbs into batter. Bake in preheated oven until a bamboo skewer comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes.
~Let cool slightly before serving.
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