Holy Thursday 9 April

Help one another: this is what Jesus teaches us and this, what I am doing, and doing with all my heart, because it is my duty. As a priest and a bishop, I must be at your service. But it is a duty which comes from my heart: I love it. I love this and I love to do it because that is what the Lord has taught me to do. But you too, help one another: help one another always. In this way, by helping one another, we will do some good. Now we will perform this ceremony of washing feet, and let us think, let each one of us think: “Am I really willing, willing to serve, to help others?”. Let us think about this, just this. And let us think that this sign is a caress of Jesus, which Jesus gives, because this is the real reason why Jesus came: to serve, to help us.
Homily of Pope Francis at Prison for Minors 28 March 2013

Become silent, aware of the awesome presence of God who never ceases to be with us.

Bless yourself in the + Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall, world without end. Amen.

Here I am Lord, I come to do your will Read: Psalm 115:12-13,15-18

Personal Prayer and recollection; As well as thanking and giving praise to God, we remind ourselves of the needs of our family, friends, community, wider world and we remember especially all those affected by Covid-19 and we remember our own personal needs.

We know that you are with us Lord. You never leave us or abandon us in our need. I now open my ears and my heart to listen to your voice coming to me through the Holy Gospel.

Read: The Holy Gospel according to John 13:1-15

Silent meditation on the Gospel: Is there a sentence or paragraph that seems to resonate with me? What is my reaction to it?

Maybe read over that part of the text a couple of times, reflecting and praying with it. If you wish you can use the Lectio Divina process outlined here.

Give thanks to God for what he has revealed to you during your prayer time.

Conclude your prayer time with: Our Father; Hail Mary; Glory be.

Act of Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, I believe that You

are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love You above all things,

and I desire to receive You into my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment

receive You sacramentally,

come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace You as if You were already there

and unite myself wholly to You.

Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.

Grant, almighty God, that, just as we are renewed by the Supper of your Son in this present age, so we may enjoy his banquet for all eternity. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Amen