HOLY THURSDAY: THE MYSTICAL SUPPER AND THE BEGINNING OF SORROW

ON THIS NIGHT OF NIGHTS

Tonight we stand at the threshold of the Passion. 

In the upper room, the Lord of Glory kneels to wash the feet of His disciples, humbling Himself as a servant before those whom He would soon call friends. 

The eternal Word made flesh breaks bread and pours wine—not merely as a farewell meal, but as the institution of the Mystery. 

"Take, eat: this is My Body… Drink ye all of this: this is My Blood."

On this holy night, eternity enters time. 

The Lamb is prepared for slaughter. 

Judas departs into the night. 

The chalice of Gethsemane begins to tremble in the Savior's hands. 

And yet, it is not terror but love that drives Him forward.

Let us be still before the mystery. 

Let us not rush past the silence of this night, nor avoid the deep sorrow that fills the heart of Christ. 

For it is in this sorrow that the New Covenant is sealed. 

It is in this holy anguish that the love of God is poured out upon the world.

Do we understand what He has done? 

Could we watch with Him even one hour?

O Christ our God, who in this dread and saving hour gave Thyself for the life of the world, teach us to love Thee in return. 

Let Thy broken Body and poured-out Blood become the medicine of our souls.

THIS IS THE NIGHT OF THE EUCHARIST. THE NIGHT OF LOVE. THE NIGHT OF BETRAYAL. THE NIGHT OF BEGINNING.

#HolyThursday #OrthodoxHolyWeek #MysticalSupper #UpperRoom #Gethsemane #LambOfGod #DivineLove #Liturgy #EucharisticMystery #AncientFaith #EasternOrthodox #WesternOrthodox #PaschalJourney #Triduum #Footwashing #LoveUntoTheEnd #WatchAndPray #OrthodoxArchdiocese #AncientChurchoftheWest