April 17, 2014 ─ Holy Thursday

Introduction

My brothers and sisters, on this holy night we remember Jesus who is both king and servant; Jesus who is both the preacher and the Word; Jesus who is both the host of the banquet and our food. He invites us to enter into this holy night, to listen, to remember, to embrace each other as we come around the table. Let us call on this Jesus who invites us here.

Penitential Act

Lord Jesus, you are our food, our sustenance: Lord, have mercy.

Christ Jesus, you are our drink, our refreshment: Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you sustain and refresh us so that we may live as your disciples and grow in holiness: Lord, have mercy.

Scripture Readings

Exod 12:1-8, 11-14 The first Passover

Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18 The cup of salvation I will take up.

1 Cor 11:23-26 This is my body. This is my blood.

John 13:1-15 The Last Supper

Prayer of the Faithful

PresiderMy friends, Jesus gave us an example of how we are to be with one another and a command to imitate him. Let us pray tonight, Lord, let us be like you.

MinisterLord Jesus, that there may be peace where there is no peace, love where there is no love, hope where there is no hope … we pray, Lord, let us be like you.

Lord Jesus, that your church may be a sign to others of the kingdom of heaven and the love of God for all … we pray, Lord, let us be like you.

Lord Jesus, that there may be joy in our families, respect among our colleagues, kindness in our interactions with others … we pray, Lord, let us be like you.

Lord Jesus, that we may seek to listen, to help, to serve, to love … we pray, Lord, let us be like you.

Lord Jesus, that the sick may be healed, the troubled may be counseled, the dying may be comforted and the grieving may be consoled … we pray, Lord, let us be like you.

Lord Jesus, that we may be the person God intends us to be, do what God wills us to do, love as you love … we pray, Lord, let us be like you.

Presider Lord Jesus, hear our sincere prayers, that we may be like you and so play our part in creating your kingdom here on earth until that day when we join you in the heavenly kingdom where you live forever and ever. Amen.