Saints + Scripture: Paschal Triduum — Holy Thursday

The Popish Plot
"Holy Thursday"

Commentary: Day eight of "Turn It Up to 11" finds The Popish Plot in the presence of the Real Presence.

'Tis Holy Thursday (A.K.A. Maundy Thursday), act one of the Paschal Triduum (A.K.A. the Easter Triduum): Holy Thursday-link & Wikipedia-link Thursday; Wikipedia-link Triduum.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. 'Twas Lent thru 3:59 P.M.; the Triduum commenced at 4:00 P.M.

Scripture of This Day
Mass Readings—Holy Thursday: Chrism Mass
The Book of Isaiah, chapter sixty-one, verses one, two, three(a), six(a), eight(b), & nine;
Psalm Eighty-nine, verses twenty-one & twenty-two & twenty-five & twenty-seven;
The Book of Revelation, chapter one, verses five thru eight;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter four, verses sixteen thru twenty-one.

Commentary: Wikipedia-link Chrism Mass.

Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel recounts Jesus’ inaugural address in his hometown synagogue. Jesus reads words from the prophet Isaiah that he felt best summed up who he was and what his mission was. Therefore it behooves us to listen carefully.

Jesus first says, "The spirit of the Lord is upon me." The Ruach Yahweh, the breath of God, the spirit that hovered over the surface of the waters at the beginning of time, the life energy of God—this is what has seized and animated Jesus.

Animated by the Ruach Yahweh, what does Jesus do? He brings "glad tidings to the poor," "liberty to captives," and "recovery of sight to the blind." In other words, he brings God’s love to those who are marginalized by injustice, freedom to those who are imprisoned in sin, and healing to those whose very self has been broken.

After the Paschal Mystery and Resurrection, he breathed on his disciples, communicating to them something of this spirit—and drawing them into this mission.

Mass Readings—Holy Thursday: Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper
The Book of Exodus, chapter twelve, verses one thru eight & eleven thru fourteen;
Psalm One Hundred Sixteen, verses twelve & thirteen, fifteen & sixteen(b/c), & seventeen & eighteen;
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter eleven, verses twenty-three thru twenty-six;
The Gospel according to John, chapter thirteen, verses one thru fifteen.

Commentary: Video reflection by Father Roger Lopez, O.F.M. (Franciscan Media): U.S.C.C.B.

†

Otherwise, 29 March would be the festival of Saints Jonas & Barachisius, Religious & Martyrs (died circa 327, of Hubaham; also spelt Jonah & Berikjesu), martyred in the reign of the Parthian king Shapur II: Martyr-link Juliett, Martyr-link Bravo, & Wikipedia-link (list).

'Twould also be the festival of Saints Gwladys & Gwynllyw Milwr, Hermits (circa 450-529; A.K.A. Gwladys ferch Brychan, also spelt Gladys; A.K.A. Gwynllyw Farfog, Woolos the Warrior, Woolos the Bearded), queen & king of Gwynllwg: Saint-link Her & Wikipedia-link Her, Saint-link Him & Wikipedia-link Him.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Mother & father of St. Cadoc [25 September], Gwynllyw a brother of St. Petroc [4 June].

'Twould also be the festival of Blessed John Hambley, Priest & Martyr (circa 1560-1587), martyred in the reign of the English queen Elizabeth I, one of the Eighty-five Martyrs of England & Wales: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Martyrs-link LXXXV & Wikipedia-link LXXXV.

We would also remember Venerable Michael Joseph McGivney, Priest (1852-1890), founder of the Knights of Columbus: Venerable-link & Wikipedia-link; Knights-link & Wikipedia-link K. of C.

Papal Quote o' This Day

"Let us just remember & show that it is beautiful to live together as brothers & sisters, with different cultures, religions, & traditions: we are all brothers & sisters! And this is called peace & love."
—Pope Francis

Little Flower Quote o' This Day

"As a father has tenderness for his children, so the Lord has compassion on us!"
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)

Saint Quote o' This Day

"Have confidence in the compassion of our Creator. Reflect well on what you are now doing, & keep before you the things you have done. Lift up your eyes to the overflowing compassion of heaven, & while He waits for you, draw near in tears to our merciful Judge."
—Pope St. Gregory I the Great (540-604, feast day: 3 September)