Lord Jesus’ Last Supper Commemorated on Holy Thursday
A significant day in the Christian calendar, Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples in ancient Jerusalem a day before his death on the cross. During Lord Jesus’ time, the Jewish community in Jerusalem observed the Passover Seder, a ritual meal commemorating the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. Jesus and his Apostles gathered in an upper room to share this meal, which became the Last Supper.
Jesus broke bread and shared wine, symbolizing his body and blood, and commanded his disciples to “do this in remembrance of me.” One of the most poignant moments of the Last Supper was when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, demonstrating humility and service.
In Goa, Holy Thursday is celebrated with great fervor and devotion. Special church services are held at prominent churches, including the Se Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, where devotees gather to commemorate the Last Supper. The distribution of hot cross buns is a traditional practice in some churches, symbolizing the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
Many churches in Goa re-enact Jesus’ act of washing his disciples’ feet, promoting a sense of community and service among participants. Devotees attend evening Masses, often with stripped altars, to commemorate the Last Supper. According to a local priest, “Holy Thursday is a day of reflection and remembrance, reminding us of Jesus’ teachings of love, compassion, and unity among believers.”
The Last Supper was a pivotal moment where Jesus shared a meal with his disciples, instituting the Eucharist and washing their feet to demonstrate humility and service. Jesus established the sacrament of Holy Communion, where bread and wine symbolize his body and blood. His act of washing his disciples’ feet serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of humility, love, and service in the lives of Christians.
This day is a time for reflection and remembrance for Christians in Goa and around the world, highlighting Jesus’ teachings of love, compassion, and unity among believers. As one devotee noted, “Holy Thursday reminds us of the importance of serving others and living a life of humility and love, just like Jesus taught us.”
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