Introduction
Today we remember the Last Supper Jesus had with the apostles. Through the gesture of the washing of the disciples’ feet, Jesus our Lord teaches us to serve one another. During this day, we particularly commemorate the institution of two holy sacraments: Holy Orders (symbolised in the washing of feet) and the Eucharist, when Jesus transformed the bread and the wine into his sacred body and blood, giving this special food to his disciples.
Have you ever had a special meal?
When was it?
How was this meal?
Why was it special and different from the others?
Do you remember what you ate?
If it was truly special, you most probably have some photos of this occasion. Look at them and talk about how you felt on that day.
Even Jesus had a special meal with his friends. We call it the Last Supper. It was so special that every year, the Church reminds us about it. In truth, we remember it during each mass, but on Holy Thursday, we celebrate it in a special way.
During each mass, the priest repeats the same words Jesus said during the Last Supper: “Take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my Body, which will be given up for you. Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my Blood, the Blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me.” Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus transforms the bread and wine into his sacred body and blood. Nothing changes in the outward appearance. They still look and taste the same. Yet we believe that the bread and wine, have now become Jesus.
Before starting this meal, Jesus washed the feet of the apostles. This was a common practice. In those days, the roads were dirty and dusty. People wore sandals, not shoes and socks. During meals, people did not generally sit around a table but sat on carpets or on cushions. Thus, it was wise to wash one’s feet when one entered in his own house or if he was invited by someone to have lunch or dinner. The servants used to take care of washing the feet of all those who entered the house.
When Jesus washed his friends’ feet, he wanted to show them how much he loved them, he also wanted to teach them. Jesus told the apostles that they were to do all that they saw him do with them and with others: to serve others and to love them. Jesus washed everyone’s foot, he also washed those of Judas, even though he knew that he would soon betray him!
Prayer and Gospel reading
Sign of the cross.
Thank you, Jesus, you love me. Thank you, Jesus, you did not just tell us you loved us, but you also showed how much you loved us, when you died on the cross, so that one day, we could come with you in heaven.
(note to parents: chose the best method to suit your family: watch the clip, read the Gospel or else read this episode from the children’s Bible)
A reading from the Gospel of John (Jn 13, 1-15)
Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.
The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over. So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.” Jesus said to him, “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all.” For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ
A reading from the Gospel of Mark (Mk 14, 22-25)
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ
About
This new bekids.mt aims to offer an even more comprehensive catechetical formation for children preparing to receive the sacraments.
