Pope Benedict: Holy Thursday Evening Mass homily (full text)

April 21, 2011

“'I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer'” (Lk 22:15). With these words Jesus began the celebration of his final meal and the institution of the Holy Eucharist," Pope Benedict preached on Holy Thursday evening during the Mass of the Lord's Supper at the Basilica of St. John Lateran.

"Jesus approached that hour with eager desire. In his heart he awaited the moment when he would give himself to his own under the appearance of bread and wine. He awaited that moment which would in some sense be the true messianic wedding feast: when he would transform the gifts of this world and become one with his own, so as to transform them and thus inaugurate the transformation of the world. In this eager desire of Jesus we can recognize the desire of God himself – his expectant love for mankind, for his creation..."

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Homily at Mass of the Lord's Supper (Holy See, full text)