Significado da Quinta-feira Santa | Tríduo Pascal

Summary

In this reflection on Holy Thursday, the speaker highlights the significance of the day, focusing on the Chrism Mass and the Mass of the Lord's Supper. They explore the deep spiritual meaning of the Eucharist and priesthood, inviting the faithful to participate in these Masses with reverence. The speaker encourages believers to connect with the events of the Last Supper as if they were there, and to reflect on Jesus' love and sacrifice. The reflection also calls for prayers for the sanctification of the clergy and for new vocations to the priesthood, urging the faithful to embrace Holy Thursday with love and devotion.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Chrism Mass is celebrated in each diocese, where the bishop consecrates the oils for baptism, the sick, and catechumens. It's an important liturgy but not obligatory for the faithful to attend.
• 😀 The Mass of the Lord's Supper (Missa do Lavapés) is the central celebration of Holy Thursday, marking the institution of the Eucharist and the beginning of the Paschal Triduum.
• 😀 The Eucharist is a tangible expression of God's love, and Jesus' sacrifice is the real presence of Christ in the form of bread and wine.
• 😀 The faithful are invited to live the experience of the Last Supper and the Paschal Triduum as if they were present with Jesus, reflecting on His passion and resurrection.
• 😀 The Mass of the Lord's Supper includes the symbolic stripping of the altar, representing the abandonment of Jesus. The faithful are called to enter into silent adoration afterward.
• 😀 The priest encourages the faithful to take the atmosphere of reverence from the church into their homes by avoiding distractions and maintaining a spirit of prayer and solemnity.
• 😀 The faithful are invited to pray for the conversion and sanctification of the clergy, and to pray that more young people will be called to the priesthood.
• 😀 While the Mass of the Lord's Supper is not a precept, the priest encourages attending out of love for Jesus, not just out of obligation, as if one were invited to the Last Supper.
• 😀 Holy Thursday is a time to focus on the love of Jesus, symbolized by the Eucharist and the priesthood, and to deepen one’s faith in these sacred gifts.
• 😀 The priest emphasizes the importance of confession during this time of preparation for Easter, urging the faithful to make a good confession and reflect on their spiritual journey.

Q & A

What is the significance of Holy Thursday in the Christian liturgical calendar?

Holy Thursday, also known as the Mass of the Lord's Supper, marks the beginning of the Paschal Triduum. It commemorates the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, where Jesus offered His body and blood to His disciples. It also highlights His act of love and humility through the washing of the feet of His disciples.

What is the Chrism Mass and why is it important?

The Chrism Mass is celebrated by the bishop in the diocesan cathedral, where the bishop consecrates the oils used for baptisms, anointing of the sick, and catechumens. It is important because it symbolizes the renewal of the priesthood and the unity of the diocesan community. Priests renew their sacerdotal promises during this Mass.

Is attending the Chrism Mass obligatory for the faithful?

No, attending the Chrism Mass is not obligatory for the faithful, as it is primarily a diocesan event, and not a public holiday. It is a special celebration for the clergy and those involved in the administration of sacraments.

What is the main focus of the Mass of the Lord's Supper (Missa do Lavapés)?

The main focus of the Mass of the Lord's Supper is the institution of the Eucharist, where Jesus offers His body and blood in the form of bread and wine. This Mass also emphasizes the commandment of love, as Jesus washes the feet of His disciples, symbolizing His selfless love and humility.

Why is the Eucharist considered the 'tangible love' of Christ?

The Eucharist is considered the 'tangible love' of Christ because it represents His real presence—His body, blood, soul, and divinity—made accessible to the faithful. It is a concrete and visible form of His love that can be seen, touched, and received.

How does the script invite individuals to experience Holy Thursday?

The script invites individuals to experience Holy Thursday by attending the Mass of the Lord's Supper with reverence, as if they were physically present at the Last Supper. It encourages participation with devotion and a sense of deep gratitude, especially for the gift of the Eucharist.

What does the script suggest about the personal reflection on Holy Thursday?

The script suggests personal reflection by imagining what it would have been like to be a disciple during the Last Supper. It invites individuals to consider their own response to Jesus' call to love and to examine their spiritual devotion, using the Mass and the liturgy as a way to live out this experience.

What is the significance of the 'desnudamento' (stripping) of the altar after the Mass?

The 'desnudamento' refers to the ritual of stripping the altar after the Mass of the Lord's Supper. This act symbolizes the abandonment and desolation Jesus experienced after the Last Supper. The Blessed Sacrament is then moved to a place of repose, emphasizing the solemnity and anticipation of Christ's passion.

Why is it important to pray for the sanctification of the clergy during Holy Thursday?

It is important to pray for the sanctification of the clergy because the clergy play a vital role in the administration of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. By praying for their conversion and sanctification, the faithful ensure that priests continue to serve with holiness, dedication, and love for the Eucharist.

How does the script describe the Eucharist in terms of its connection to the priesthood?

The script highlights that there is no Eucharist without the priesthood. The priest is specifically ordained to consecrate the Eucharist, and the two—Eucharist and priesthood—are inseparable. This emphasizes the sacred role of the priest in the celebration of the Mass and the distribution of the Eucharist.