Cardinal Gambetti Calls Church to Humble Service at Holy Thursday Mass

VATICAN CITY — Holy Thursday drew to a close with the solemn celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of the Basilica and Vicar General for Vatican City. As the faithful gathered at the Vatican on April 17, Cardinal Gambetti urged reflection on the heart of the Christian mystery: a God who bends low to wash His disciples’ feet, calling the Church to become a Eucharistic people marked by service and love.

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A Passover of Presence, Not Triumph

In his homily, Cardinal Gambetti invited the congregation to revisit the first Jewish Passover, recalling that it unfolded not in triumph but “in the midst of slavery, oppression, and suffering.” Quoting Exodus, he highlighted how the blood on the Israelites’ doorposts signified not only protection but God’s intimate presence—a closeness that shields rather than punishes.

Jesus’ Radical Humility

The Cardinal drew a parallel to Jesus’ own Passover, which took place amid “injustice, fear, and betrayal.” Despite knowing the imperfections and impending betrayal among His disciples, Jesus chose to spend His final hours with them, sharing a meal and humbly washing their feet. “The group around Him is human,” Cardinal Gambetti noted. “Imperfect, diverse. Some impulsive, some proud, some fearful. But all of them are loved.”

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This act of humility, the Cardinal emphasized, reveals the true priesthood of Christ and sets the model for the Church today. “There is always a Judas,” he acknowledged, referencing ongoing betrayals in society and within hearts tempted by power or comfort. Yet, “Jesus still kneels,” Gambetti said, reminding the faithful that Jesus asks not for perfection, but for presence and willingness to serve.

A Eucharistic People

Cardinal Gambetti called on the Church and its members to be “broken and shared, like Him; to become the very thing we receive.” He concluded with a prayer: “Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to us each day in the humble form of bread and wine. Make us Eucharist, too.”

The liturgy included the traditional washing of feet, symbolizing humility and service—a poignant reminder of Christ’s command to love and serve one another.

As Holy Week continues, the Church is invited to embody this spirit of humility, presence, and self-giving love at the heart of the Easter mystery.