Holy Thursday | Holy Week | Catholic Motherhood
By now, most of us are eager to celebrate Easter. Who else can practically taste the deviled eggs and chocolate bunnies? But before the joy and songs of praise on Resurrection Sunday, we pause to reflect on what makes that fateful Friday “Good” — the day our Lord suffered and died on the Cross.
While the events of Good Friday deserve a lifetime of meditation, lately, I’ve been lingering on the day before: Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday.
What Does “Maundy” Mean?
The term Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning "commandment." It refers to Jesus’ words to His disciples during the Last Supper: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
That’s another hard teaching, Lord.
A Sacred Beginning: The Holy Thursday Mass
Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Sacred Triduum, drawing us into the mystery of Christ’s Passion. The evening Mass begins with joy: white vestments, flowers adorning the Tabernacle, the Gloria sung with bells ringing.
Then the tone shifts. Twelve chairs line the front of the church. Our priest kneels and gently washes the feet of parishioners young and old, just as Christ did for His disciples. We then remember one of the most significant moments in salvation history: the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper.
Mass concludes with the Eucharist carried in a candlelit procession, and the church falls into silence — waiting, watching, praying. It’s here that my family has its own tradition of joining our priest for dinner before returning to church for the Night Watch.
The Garden and the Folding Chair
Last year, I was worn out from Holy Week prep. If it was anything like this year, I was probably juggling baseball schedules, a bottle-lamb in the kitchen, and peace negotiations between dueling brothers. I debated whether to return to church or head straight to bed.
But as we brought Father back to the church, my son asked to stay with me for the Night Watch. Who would say no? Though, I’ll admit, I quietly worried I might “get less” out of my prayer time if I had to share it.
The chapel glows with the romantic light of candles and quiet prayers. Wiley, who’d helped set up the space, didn’t quite realize the Night Watch involved an hour or more in cold, hard folding chairs. As expected, the first bit was filled with squirms and wiggles.
Eventually, I adjusted our chairs, and he rested his head and arms in my lap.
“Let Me See What You Saw”
As I prayed, I asked for the grace to see what Jesus saw during His Agony in the Garden. I imagined the rocky, sandy ground. I tried to picture the fog, the olive trees, the darkness of the middle-eastern garden that fateful night.
“Please, Lord, let me see what You saw.”
A tiny snore rose from my lap. Wiley had fallen asleep.
And suddenly, I saw it.
Two thousand years ago, after the Last Supper, it must have been a late night in the Upper Room. Can you imagine anyone rushing off to bed? No doubt the Apostles were excited, but exhausted. They’d helped prepare the Passover, and they wanted to stay with Jesus … but they fell asleep.
Couldn’t they keep watch for one hour? Even then, Jesus saw them with love.
As Christ prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, His gaze — set like flint toward the Cross — was also fixed on those He loved. On us. On our children. On each soul in every generation.
That night, as I held my not-so-little boy, salty tears (not bloody sweat) rolled down my cheeks.
Yes, Jesus still holds us. He sees us even when we’re in the darkest of places, and His love never fails.
What Wondrous Love Is This?
What kind of love endures betrayal, agony, and death on a Cross?
The love of a Savior who humbles Himself and becomes obedient — even unto death.
And He calls us to do the same: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
So, this Holy Week, let us pray for eyes that see as Christ does: eyes that recognize the goodness and dignity in every person. Let us love as He loves.
And let us sing. We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song!
Copyright 2025 Neena Gaynor
Images: (from top): iStockPhoto.com, licensed for use by Holy Cross Family Ministries; Canva