First Reading: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 116: 12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18 Second Reading: First Corinthians 11: 23-26 Gospel Acclamation: John 13:34 Gospel: John 13:1-15

Holy Thursday Reflection is by Fr. Cornelius Apili, SJ., Priest-in-Charge of the St. John Paul II Quasi-Parish in Grafton, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

There is a sense of dissatisfaction among some Catholics who, feeling disconnected, question why the Paschal celebration can seem repetitive and lacking in meaning. Many who have left the faith do not recall the joy and significance that these celebrations once held as acts of self-sacrifice. This raises concerns because if one does not take time to reflect on the purpose and depth of faith traditions, there is a risk of losing their meaning. I recall a Good Friday procession in Grafton, Freetown, when a passing stranger made the sign of the cross in respect, highlighting the quiet power of these rituals.

I was deeply moved by that stranger’s gesture. Another vivid memory is from a Good Friday in Kwabenya, Accra, where I witnessed parishioners dressed in black and red—a powerful and unique cultural expression of the Paschal Triduum. These experiences made me reflect on how lived actions and cultural practices convey the meaning of these celebrations, raising the question of why this heartfelt significance is not always reflected in our daily lives.

Today’s celebration marks the beginning of our yearly observance of the Paschal mystery, an experience that brings us face-to-face with our human weaknesses and limitations. Like, Jesus Christ, who never quoted the scriptures to his disciples, but found a way to show what it means to love by serving and acting out the depth of his message. It is said, “Talk is cheap,” but action demands more from every individual in matters of faith. How I wished we could take ourselves back to last year’s experiences and celebration of the Paschal Triduum, to ascertain and provoke a response to these questions: What is uniquely new for me? What has changed about me? What am I struggling with when it comes to making this celebration what it is? An experience of love that speaks to the heart.

Obliviously, for us priests, it is a celebration and reminder of the institution of the Holy Eucharist—thus, the birth of the priesthood. In other words, a reminder of who we are as servants in the vineyard. This idea of servant leadership is often forgotten during our journey as priests who are called among God’s people to lead, not as superhumans, but as people who have gone through and experienced brokenness and are ready to become bearers of mercy in a world that no longer understands the true meaning of mercy.

Rather than stick to the rites and rituals that today’s celebration calls for, perhaps we can move a little closer to what we are called to follow and emulate. Today’s celebration is a deep call to serve without counting the cost. A reminder that we are followers and not leaders, no matter how much we have achieved during our journey. And, that the true meaning of the priesthood, for those who are ordained, and the meaning of real service, for the lay faithful, is found in the sincere presence to God’s people. We sometimes pay close attention to the Paschal Triduum and forget the message behind it. It is simply the story of one who chose to offer himself for all of us.

Hence, our story and experience might be synonymous with that of the astute photographer Kevin Carter. In his attempt to make history by photographing a starving child and a vulture waiting nearby in Sudan, he became known as the ‘second vulture’ during a radio program because he failed to help the child, losing his humanity in his profession. No matter our profession, if we cannot be humans, we have lost the real message behind the Pascal Triduum.