On the evening of Holy Thursday the beloved Apostle John rested his head on the breast of Christ. Now Christ rests His head on the breasts of His friends, and that every day of our lives, if we so wish. On Holy Thursday we recognize the blessing of this Presence, an impression of security, as if we actually heard the Lord say: "It is I, do not be afraid."

I can still picture myself when I was a child remembering that moment of Christian history and reliving it. I can still remember kneeling there as a young man before the repository, and the longer I would kneel, the more difficult it would become to tear myself away. The contrast between the darkness of the church lighted only by candles and the glitter of the outside world struck me even then. Then I could hear: "And if I be lifted up, I will draw all things to myself" (Jn. 12:32). The words pierced the silence. Yet they brought a tenderness to the day.

On Holy Thursday many lives are decided, many vocations take shape, I am sure. Many are called to the priesthood on that day. On Holy Thursday the plan of God for mankind in the Eucharist is revealed and fulfilled. The plan of God for many other individuals who kneel before the Real Presence becomes known. On one Holy Thursday I came to realize that you never walk alone. O Jesus, present in the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Thursday is a gift of Yourself to the Church. May the Heart of Jesus in the most Blessed Sacrament be praised, adored, and loved at every moment in all the tabernacles of the world even to the end of time.

An Audience With Jesus
Msgr. John F. David