Tonight, as we begin the celebration of the sacred Triduum, it is a time to understand our heritage. This is a time of remembrance, a night to look back during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.

Tonight, we also commemorate the important things Jesus did before his death approximately two thousand years ago. While we look forward to the other events of the Triduum, tonight we look back. 

Tonight we remember Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist. Jesus said this is how we are to remember Him. 

Jesus loved us so, that before he gave up Himself on the cross, he had to give us Himself. He had to give us a remembrance of His very body and blood. 

For two thousand years, we retain the words we heard in Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians, “Do this in memory of me”. 

This is a night important to priests. It is a night to commemorate the institution of the priesthood. Acting in persona Christi, priests are another of Jesus’ gifts to us. 

This is a night we celebrate the importance of the Eucharist – the intimate gift it is, a connection to Jesus in our lives. It is this physical presence of Christ which is so important to us. 

Jesus doesn’t tell us this to give us fond memories. He did not tell us to think about Him doing this. He tells us to do this – and not just on Holy Thursday. 

Finally, the Gospel tonight is important to us deacons. Jesus teaches us the ministry of service by washing his disciples’ feet. He tells us, “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.” 

Tonight speaks to our heritage. For two thousand years, we Catholics have reflected on the mystery of the Eucharist. We remember the example Jesus taught us – a model to follow.