Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday

Down in adoration falling, lo! The Sacred Host we hail,
o’er ancient forms departing newer rites of grace prevail;
faith for all defects supplying, where the feeble senses fail.

We sing “Tantum Ergo” together at the conclusion of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper this evening when we process with the Blessed Sacrament to a place of repose where it will be kept for quiet adoration until the Easter Vigil. This song is also often sung during Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. These Latin verses form the last two stanzas of a longer hymn, “Pange Lingua” (“Sing My Tongue the Savior’s Glory”).

Tonight we remember and celebrate the gift of Christ’s very self—Body and Blood, soul and divinity—which he offered at the Last Supper. Our “feeble senses fail” to physically see the bread and wine become the Real Presence of our Lord, but we perceive it with faith—a faith that strengthens us to follow Christ’s example and offer our lives in service to others.

Prayer for Morning
Jesus, Word-made-Flesh, at your Last Supper, you gave yourself as food to
your disciples. Bread from Heaven, feed me with your love.

Ponder Today
How can I “wash the feet” of someone today through an act of service?

Prayer for Evening
Jesus, Word-made-Flesh, you poured out your own life in the wine you
shared with your followers. Bread from Heaven, break me open, pour me
out.