Fr Benjamin's homily for Holy Thursday

Last will & testament of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ, knowing that he was going to die, offered his last will and testament to his disciples. He wills them two great gifts, a sharing in his sacrifice and a sharing in his priesthood. We have nothing to offer God that would be worthy of him, because he is perfect and every gift we would offer is tainted by sin. Jesus is the perfect son of God, and he offered himself on the cross as the sacrifice God could accept. By eating his body and drinking his blood in the last supper, Jesus allowed his disciples to share in that sacrifice, so it became their gift also. Jesus also gave his disciples a share in his holy priesthood, so that they could offer the sacrifice that he offered. Because of that, the Eucharist celebrated today is the same sacrifice that Jesus offered, and we are able to share in that sacrifice and make it our own. At the last supper Jesus also washed the feet of his disciples, because he was initiating them into his priesthood and that priesthood is characterized by humble service. They must offer themselves for the good of others and not for selfish gain. While this command is especially directed towards the priests, it also indicates the path that the whole church must walk, to serve the world so that the world might be saved. If we share in the Eucharist, we must be willing to share in the command and wash the feet of others.

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