Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Father Benjamin Holdren, delivering the Holy Thursday homily at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln, expressed gratitude to Bishop Conley & Msgr. Fucinaro for the opportunity to preach on this solemn occasion. He emphasized the significance of the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, stating, "The Son of God loved His own in the world…and He loved them to the end."

Drawing parallels between the humble act of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples and the self-emptying nature of His mission, Father Holdren highlighted the symbolic significance of this gesture, echoing the teachings of St. Augustine and St. Paul. He quoted Jesus, conveying the importance of allowing oneself to be cleansed by divine love, stating, "Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me."

Reflecting on the call to emulate Jesus in serving others with humility and love, Father Holdren urged the congregation to consider, "Who are the people in our lives we need to forgive? Who are the ones we need to love? Whose feet do we need to hold and wash?" He emphasized the transformative power of receiving the Eucharist, quoting Pope Benedict, who described it as an encounter with the Lord's humble and sacrificial love.

In a prayerful conclusion, Father Holdren invoked the words of Psalm 65, acknowledging human fallibility and the divine mercy that wipes away sins. As the faithful prepared to partake in the Eucharist, he expressed a desire for hearts to be filled with gratitude and a commitment to becoming vessels of divine love.

The homily on Holy Thursday served as a poignant reminder of the profound love and mercy extended by Jesus, urging believers to embody humility, forgiveness, and self-emptying love in their interactions with others.