HOMILY HOLY THURSDAY
MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER 2026
A REMINDER OF THE CALL TO HUMBLE SERVICE FOR ALL
Jn 13.1-15 Ex 12.1-8,11-14 1Cor 11.23-26
Once again, we come to the Lord’s Supper. What we can be sure of is that this was a critical moment for the apostles, and now for us, as we continue to do what he told us to do, but not just in memory of him, as much as to acknowledge his ongoing Real Presence in Eucharist, as well as in his Word and where we gather in his name.
In Christian art, the Last Supper has evoked so much creative imagination, with perhaps Leonardo da Vinci’s mural of 1495 in Milan the most widely recognized. So many artistic portrayals since then have been based on his depiction (as seen on my Last Supper wall mat, in front of the altar for its annual appearance!).
In 1984, Andy Warhol, modernist pop artist’s last commission was to create a group of works based on da Vinci’s version for an exhibition in Milan.
Warhol exceeded the demands of the commission and produced nearly 100 variations on the theme… Some compositions appropriate Leonardo’s entire pictorial design, while others explore details of individual figures and groups, singularly or in repetition, differing in orientation, scale, and color… Advertising logos… are superimposed on the figures of Christ and the Apostles, creating a hybrid of the sacred and profane, high art and commercial design. The seemingly heretical irreverence for these distinctions reflects the inevitable transformation of a deeply religious work into a cliché whose spiritual message has become muted through repetition.
Then there is Salvador Dali’s creation of 1955, titled “The Sacrament of the Last Supper”, where he, “loved the fact that sales records indicated, even during his own time, that reproductions of his Last Supper outsold virtually every other modern painting. Dali himself was not modest about the job he’d done (not quite fitting tonight’s theme of humble service!), stating he felt it was one hundred times better than all of Picasso’s works put together!
The overall feeling of spirituality and mysticism is achieved through the transparency of the Christ figure, appearing as if he could be rising from the sea, and of the dodecahedron… The large male torso at the top of this canvas may be interpreted at least three ways: as the Holy Spirit; the ascension of Christ; or perhaps God the Father, watching over all, his face not to be seen. If ever the word perfect were to be assigned to just one of Dali’s masterworks, The Sacrament of the Last Supper may be the one.
To my mind, perhaps the most moving modern-day depiction is that of Filipino artist Joey Velasco’s, “Jesus and the Street Children.” All are welcome at his table, especially the downtrodden and the outcasts.
And now, at a time in our world, where there is so much uncertainty, instability and continuing conflict, we can all feel a bit overwhelmed and helpless, even though petrol prices have come down a bit, not a lot! At the same time, the call for us as disciples is to do what we can to bring peace, and be of service to others in our own scene. Life has to go on, no matter what, and faith has to be lived. Each one of us can help make a difference, in some way or other.
Therefore, a focus on the positives is called for, and I reckon we see this at the grass roots level of parish life, in so many dimensions, from welcoming, in liturgy, friendship, working together. We have so many simple examples of voluntary service, with the various groups established to provide for the needs of the community, from liturgy and music, to parish friendship group, Baptism preparation and welcome, Eucharistic ministry at Mass and to those who cannot be with us, at home, or in Aged Care, décor inside the church, and maintenance outside, parish leadership team and finance committee, spirituality prayer and discussion groups, St Vincent de Paul helpers too, not to forget Alpha programs,. Then there are the essential services in the front line at the parish office, for our two communities.
This is all a part of ongoing ministry in diverse ways, but all much appreciated, and reflective of what a faith community should be. And I am not naming names, as it’s all too risky, and you know who you are anyway! But I don’t take any of this for granted either!
Now to tonight’s Gospel: John’s Farewell Discourse of Jesus distils much of his teaching over the time of his public ministry, as Jesus reflects on his human destiny, and the future of the mission he has begun and proclaimed with a Kingdom of God as one of justice and peace in a spirit of service and humility, which is why he washes the apostles’ feet.
Jesus demonstrates humble service, as Peter remonstrates, and then over-reacts, going over the top, wanting the head and shoulders washing treatment as well! His highs and lows give us all hope and encouragement for when we fall short of living our faith as well as we could.
The anxiety and uncertainty of the apostles is understandable, as the message sinks in that Jesus is about to depart from them, to face humiliation and scorn. ‘Honest’, rather than doubting Tom, is the only one game to ask the question of how do we know what comes next, and how they are to cope, having put all their hopes and trust in Jesus, who speaks now in ominous terms of his own imminent suffering and death. He then lays down the universal law of love for one another, after foretelling his betrayal by Judas and then Peter’s triple denial.
The reassurance comes in his description of himself as ‘the way, the truth and the life’, before promising the Spirit and speaking of himself as the ‘true vine’ and we the branches, sent to produce the good fruits of the Spirit. So much is packed into this last farewell.
Here we gather, following Jesus’ instructions back there, to repeat his words and actions, in sharing the Eucharistic meal, as we receive the Bread of Life, or Bread for the Broken, as I quote the late Frank Moloney SDB’s book title, on the subject of Eucharist, and who might be eligible, broken meaning you and me, needing spiritual nourishment for the journeys of our own lives!!
And so we continue to do this in memory of him, as he has commanded us, as humble disciples of love and service, preparing ourselves for the Passion, but looking beyond to fullness of life in Easter joy.
john hannon 2nd April 2026