The Sacrament of the Priesthood in the Light of Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday is a day of a profound revelation of God’s love — a love given freely as a gift to humanity. On this day, during the Last Supper, Jesus Christ not only instituted the Most Holy Eucharist, but also gave the Church the sacrament of the priesthood — the ministry through which the Eucharist is celebrated throughout the ages.

Christ’s words, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Lk 22:19), are not only a call to remember, but also the institution of a sacred ministry. In these words, the Church has always recognized the birth of the priesthood of the New Covenant — a calling to become a living instrument of Christ’s presence in the world. St. John Chrysostom speaks of the greatness of this gift: “The priest stands on earth, yet ministers in heavenly things; he belongs to the human race, but is ranked among the angels.”
With these words, he highlights the mysterious nature of the priesthood — not as a merely human function, but as participation in the very ministry of Christ.

Holy Thursday also reminds us that the priesthood is inseparable from service. The washing of the feet, performed by Christ, reveals the true meaning of this gift. Priesthood is not authority in a worldly sense, but a love that bends down, serves, and gives itself completely. As St. Gregory the Theologian writes: “To be a shepherd means first to be purified, then to purify others; to be enlightened, and then to enlighten; to draw near to God, and to lead others to Him.”

Thus, Holy Thursday is not only a remembrance of an event, but a living call — a call for priests to rediscover the depth of their vocation, and for all the faithful to pray for those who are called to be a sign of Christ’s presence. On this day, the Church gives thanks for the sacrament through which Christ remains with us — in His Word, in His Body and Blood, and in those whom He has called to serve. For the priesthood is not merely a ministry. It is a gift of love that continues the mystery of the Last Supper in every generation.