Dear brothers and sisters,
Today, we enter the holiest days in the Church’s calendar: the Easter Triduum. On Holy Thursday, we remember two of the most important events in our faith: the institution of the Eucharist and the institution of the priesthood. These two gifts are inseparable. One cannot exist without the other. Without priests, there would be no Eucharist; without the Eucharist, the priesthood would lose its deepest meaning.
During the Last Supper, Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. “This is my body, which is given for you.” Then, he took the cup of wine and said, “This is the cup of my blood.” With these words, Jesus instituted the first Holy Mass. The Eucharistic life of the Church was born at this moment. We can say that the visible life of the Church also began here, because Christ entrusted the apostles — and after them, their successors — with the task, “Do this in memory of me.”.
The Church says that the Eucharist is the source and summit of its life. All grace comes from it, and everything is directed towards it. When we celebrate Holy Mass, we are not merely reminiscing about the past. Jesus is truly present. He gives us his body and blood as nourishment for our journey to eternal life. Therefore, Christ does not leave us alone on our journey through life. Through the ministry of priests, he feeds us repeatedly with his most precious Body and Blood. How many times have we come to church feeling tired, sad or worried, only to leave with peace in our hearts after receiving the Eucharist? This is the power of Christ’s presence.
An elderly priest once told the story of a man who came to church every day and sat quietly in front of the tabernacle. Someone once asked him, ‘What are you doing here for so long?’ He replied: ‘I am looking at Him, and He is looking at me.’ This is the mystery of the Eucharist: the closeness of the living Jesus Christ.
Today is also an opportunity to thank God for the gift of the priesthood. As a priest, I would like to express my personal gratitude to God for my vocation. I thank you for the opportunity to celebrate Holy Mass, bring God’s forgiveness through the sacrament of reconciliation, and accompany you on your journey of faith. I also ask that you pray for priests to always remain faithful servants of Christ and his church..
Maundy Thursday also reminds us of our great responsibility. At a time when the world often forgets God, the Eucharist is a source of light and strength in our lives, and every Holy Mass is an opportunity to connect with Him. It also teaches us to love and serve others. At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Eucharist and washed the feet of his disciples to demonstrate that true greatness lies in humble service. So today, we ask ourselves: What place does the Eucharist have in my life? Is Holy Mass truly an encounter with the living Christ for me?
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for the gifts of the Eucharist and the priesthood. We thank you for all the priests who bring us your presence through the sacraments. Strengthen their fidelity and love for your Church, we pray. We also ask you to send new and holy priests to your Church, so that there will always be someone to break the bread of life for your people. Amen.
Hello. And Bye.