13 Apr
Thu
HOLY THURSDAY (Chrism Mass)        Go to【HOLY THURSDAY MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER
Is. 61:1-3,6,8-9
Ps. 89(88):21-22,25,27
Rev. 1:5-8
Lk. 4:16-21
(Ps Wk II)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 
 

We learn from Acts 11:26 that the disciples of Jesus of Nazareth were first called "Christians" in Antioch, most likely in the thirties of the first century. Originally a nickname, "Christians" spread quickly and became the proper name of those who believed in Jesus as the Messiah.

While it is allowed, for a good reason, to celebrate the Chrism Mass on another day, there are good theological reasons for celebrating it today, Holy Thursday, as normal practice.

Our name "Christian" still carries the meaning "followers of Jesus", people who claim that he is the Messiah, Christ. Hence we bear Christ's name as a profession of our faith in him. Yet our following of Jesus as his disciples means much more to us than simply a teacher-disciple relationship. Our name both signifies and demands, a deep interior relationship with Jesus as our personal Lord and Saviour. Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah, the one anointed by the Father for the mission of saving us all. Hence we, his followers, are also anointed, in Baptism and Confirmation, with the sacred oil that makes each one of us "another Christ", a Christian.



May the Lord bless all Christians with the fullness of his love that we may more effectively work for the spread of the Gospel and the coming of the Kingdom.


DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That young people may respond generously to their vocations and seriously consider offering themselves to God in the priesthood or consecrated life.
Elaboration

- END -


© Copyright Shalom 2017. All rights reserved.