Our Blessed Lord was not the victim of circumstance or under forces of any kind. He marched to Jerusalem. He marched to His own torture and death. He gave Himself over to sin and to death, “For this is your hour…”-to imprisonment and humiliation.
Before this happened He instituted the Holy Eucharist and said the first mass. At this mass He ordained His apostles His first priests. Therefore Maundy Thursday, (from the Latin maundatus- to command) is the feast day of all priests. By creating the sacrament of His Body and Blood He remains with us to the very end; “Behold, I am with you always, even unto the consummation of the world!”
O Blessed Lord Jesus, thank You for the magnificent gift of Yourself in the sacrament of the altar. Have mercy on us and forgive us. Bless Your priests and save them for Yourself. Give us every grace that You would have for us and keep us mindful of those Who are imprisoned and suffering, especially for love of You, for You were a prisoner and remain the Prisoner of Love in every tabernacle of the world. Amen.
