On Holy Thursday, we recall that Jesus gathered the Apostles for the Passover and to prepare them for what was to come. We now look to this event as The Last Supper. The symbolic nature of this event carries over to many of our traditions.
Normally, we attend Mass in the evening just as the Passover would have begun. For those of you familiar with a Catholic Mass, the Gloria (which has not been sung throughout Lent) is sung with bells ringing continuously. The readings of the Liturgy correspond to the Jewish regulations of the Passover (Exodus 13: 1-14) and Paul's account of the Last Supper remembrance (one of the first accounts that the Mass would reflect the message given by Jesus on this day in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The liturgical readings end with the Gospel of John which tells the story of the Last Supper (13:1-15).
The most memorable moments of the Holy Thursday Mass are:
- Gloria sung with bells ringing
- Liturgical readings
- The Washing of the Feet
- The Transfer of the Blessed Sacrament
- The Watch
Now...Michael and I love this time of year and all that is reflected in our traditions. However, we realize that going to Mass every day (for extended time) for four days is near impossible for small children. Over the years, we choose to attend some of the Triduum celebration. The various choices to make this meaningful to our family has changed from year to year.
This particular Mass has always been difficult for young children because of the time (bed time). SO...we have always tried to find another way to make it understood that it is a special day. Over the years this has meant a Sedar Meal.
This year was not any different. We prepared the symbolic meal that reflects a Christianized version of the Passover. I have even created my own book to help us carry out the meal in a way that flows and is simply done for anyone to participate. We have had this meal for just our family and other years we have provided a way to share with others (as many as 50 people). This year we were alone and it was very special.
After the meal, I try to find a way to continue the sacred moment that would occur had we gone to Mass. I try to create a space for each individual to spend time in prayer to represent the Watch that Jesus asked of his disciples. (Luke 22: 39-46) This year each child was asked to prepare a prayer space special for the Watch. For the older children, they had their Bibles and any other religious items of their choosing. For the younger children, I found color pages and activities for their prayer time. We waited until our family prayer time and started out together and then they went to their places. The idea was to have one hour or prayer but it varied by age.
Traditionally, this watch would last into the night with parishioners taking turns before the Blessed Sacrament. Holy Thursday Mass does not end but carries over into the next day. The altar is stripped of all cloths and we process from the church in silence.
For our family, we will leave our family prayer time (We will read the liturgical readings mentioned) in silence and go to our prayer areas. Then we will proceed to bed in silence (hopefully!).
There is more to come the next few days as we seek to make this time memorable.
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