Published : 2023-04-06

Holy Thursday: what does it mean for Christians?

Holy Thursday is a central moment in the Christian faith. It commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper with his apostles, marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, and conveys a profound message of love and service. Through the institution of the Eucharist and the washing of the feet, this day invites every believer to live in humility and self-sacrifice.

Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper
It marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum
Jesus institutes the Eucharist
He teaches service through the washing of the feet

What is Holy Thursday?

Holy Thursday is celebrated during Holy Week, a few days before Easter. Its date varies each year as it depends on the liturgical calendar. This day opens the Easter Triduum, which also includes Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

It is one of the most important moments for Christians, as it introduces the major events of the Passion of Christ.

What happened on Holy Thursday?

Holy Thursday commemorates key events in the life of Jesus, rich in spiritual meaning and deeply rooted in Christian tradition.

The Last Supper

During the Last Supper, Jesus shares a final meal with his apostles. He takes the bread and wine and gives them new meaning, foreshadowing his sacrifice.

This moment is often depicted in Christian art, as in this religious painting of the Last Supper, ideal for meditation at home:

Wooden frame of the Last Supper on a mosaic background

The Institution of the Eucharist

During this meal, Jesus instituted the Eucharist. He asked his disciples to repeat this act in remembrance of him. This is the origin of the Mass as it is celebrated today.

The Eucharist is at the heart of the Christian faith: it represents the presence of Christ and his total self-giving out of love.

The Washing of the Feet

Jesus washes his disciples’ feet, a powerful and surprising gesture. At that time, this task was reserved for servants.

This gesture symbolises:

humility
service to others
concrete love

What is the significance of Maundy Thursday?

Beyond the events themselves, Holy Thursday conveys a profound spiritual message that remains relevant for all believers.

Love and self-sacrifice

Jesus gives himself entirely for others. Holy Thursday reminds us that true love involves self-sacrifice.

Service to others

The washing of the feet teaches that service is at the heart of Christian life. Every act of service becomes a way of living out the Gospel.

Christian humility

Humility is an essential value: recognising that everyone is called to love and serve, without seeking human greatness.

How do Christians observe Holy Thursday?

Christians mark this day through meaningful celebrations.

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper

This Mass commemorates the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist.

The washing of the feet in the liturgy

In some parishes, the priest performs this symbolic gesture.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

After Mass, the faithful are invited to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. It is a moment of silence and intimacy with God.

The Visitation of the Seven Churches

An ancient tradition, it involves visiting several churches to pray and meditate.

Holy Thursday in Holy Week

Holy Thursday is closely linked to the other days of the Easter Triduum:

Holy Thursday: love and self-giving
Good Friday: the Passion and sacrifice
Easter: the Resurrection and hope

To learn more, see also: the meaning of Easter

How to observe Holy Thursday at home?

It is possible to experience this day deeply even at home:

Read the Gospel of the Last Supper
Pray as a family
Meditate in silence
Light a candle

Here are a few items to accompany your prayer:

Discover our religious items to help you experience the Easter season in prayer: View the Easter collection

Prayer for Holy Thursday

Lord Jesus,

On this Holy Thursday, we remember Your infinite love, that evening when You shared bread with Your disciples, that moment when You gave Yourself entirely, body and heart, for the salvation of the world.

Thank You for the gift of the Eucharist, the living presence of Your love amongst us. Teach us to recognise Your presence in the bread we share, in silent prayer, and in every moment of our lives.

Lord, You who washed the feet of Your apostles, You the Master who became a servant, grant us a humble heart, capable of serving without expecting anything in return, capable of loving even in the small things of daily life.

Help us to follow Your example, to perform simple yet loving acts, to forgive, to reach out, and to be witnesses to Your light in our world.

In our frailty, our doubts and our weariness, remain with us as You were with Your disciples. Give us the strength to move forward, peace in our hearts and trust in Your love which never abandons us.

May this Holy Thursday transform our lives, bring us closer to You, and prepare us to live fully the mystery of Your Passion and Resurrection.

Lord Jesus, we entrust to You our families, our intentions, our joys and our sorrows. Make us instruments of peace and love.

Amen.

FAQ on Holy Thursday

What is the significance of Holy Thursday for Christians?

Holy Thursday is an important feast day for Christians around the world. It is considered the start of the Easter Triduum, which celebrates the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. On this day, Christians gather for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, which commemorates the last night Jesus spent with his disciples before his death.

What happened at the Last Supper?

At the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and wine, blessed them, broke them and gave them to his disciples, saying: “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” He then took a cup of wine, blessed it and gave it to his disciples, saying: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”

What is Communion?

Communion is a ceremony during which Christians partake of bread and wine in remembrance of the love Jesus had for them and the sacrifice he made for their salvation.

What is the message of Holy Thursday for Christians?

Holy Thursday is a day of prayer, reflection and service. Christians are invited to meditate on the love of Jesus and to reflect on their own lives and how they can serve others. They are also invited to be reconciled with God and with their brothers and sisters, by entrusting themselves to God in prayer and by practising love and forgiveness.

What are the celebrations on Holy Thursday?

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper is one of the main celebrations on Holy Thursday. It is often celebrated in the evening and features Holy Communion and the washing of the feet. In some parts of the world, Christians also visit seven different churches to symbolise the seven stops Jesus made before his crucifixion. Finally, many Christians observe Holy Thursday as a day of fasting and abstinence.

Why is Maundy Thursday a day of fasting and abstinence?

Holy Thursday is a day of fasting and abstinence for many Christians because these practices help them draw closer to God and focus on prayer and reflection.

What is the message to take away from Holy Thursday?

Holy Thursday is a day of remembrance, prayer, reflection and service. It is an opportunity to remember the love of Jesus and to commit to serving others with love and compassion.

Why the washing of feet?

It symbolises humility and service. Jesus shows that everyone is called to serve others with love.

What is the difference between Maundy Thursday and Good Friday?

Holy Thursday celebrates the Last Supper and the love of Christ, whilst Good Friday commemorates his Passion and death on the cross.

Why do we talk about the Easter Triduum?

The Easter Triduum comprises three days: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Together, they form a single great mystery celebrating the death and resurrection of Christ.