In his first Holy Thursday liturgy as Archbishop of Johannesburg, Cardinal Stephen Brislin delivered a profound homily at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at Christ the King Cathedral, urging Catholics to understand the Eucharist not only as a sacramental ritual but as a living invitation to self-giving and service.
“Christ gives his Body and Blood to us today just as he did to his apostles at the Last Supper,” Cardinal Brislin proclaimed. “We are called not only to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, but to be a Eucharistic people.”

Reflecting on the dual focus of Holy Thursday, Cardinal Brislin emphasized the centrality of two sacraments: Holy Orders and the Eucharist.
“This morning,” he said, “at the Chrism Mass, we focused on the Sacrament of Orders. This evening, we focus on the Sacrament of the Eucharist.” He reminded the congregation that the Eucharist is not merely a remembrance, but a living memorial—a real, sacramental encounter with Christ.
“Christ gives his Body and Blood to us today just as he did to his apostles at the Last Supper,” the Cardinal affirmed.

The Faithfulness of the Church to the Lord’s Command
Anticipating doubts around how the Church observes the Eucharist today, Cardinal Brislin underscored the continuity of the Church’s faithfulness to Jesus’ command, “Do this in memory of me.” He highlighted the four essential elements of the Last Supper, present in every valid celebration of Mass: taking the bread, giving thanks, breaking it, and giving it.
These actions, he explained, are not merely symbolic; they are deeply sacramental and transformative:
“Through his action, and giving us his Body and Blood in the form of bread and wine, he still becomes present to us in this great miracle of the Eucharist.”

The Link Between Eucharist and Service
Cardinal Brislin went on to reflect on the Gospel passage of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, emphasizing that Eucharist and service are inseparable in Christian life.
“You call me Master and Lord, and rightly; so I am. If I, then, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you should wash each other’s feet,” Cardinal Brislin quoted, urging believers to become “Eucharistic people”—not only in receiving Christ, but in becoming Christ to others through humble service.
He warned against separating the altar from the street, stressing that worship and social responsibility must always walk hand in hand.
“We cannot truly give ourselves to God and serve God unless we serve our neighbour,” he said. “Just as Jesus generously gave his life for us, so we must give ourselves in service.”

A Eucharistic Life of Gratitude
Finally, Cardinal Brislin reflected on the meaning of the word Eucharist itself—thanksgiving. He encouraged the faithful to cultivate gratitude not only in liturgy but in every aspect of life:
“If we are a Eucharistic people, we will never fail to give thanks to God in all circumstances. Our voices must never cease to give thanks.”

A Night of Remembrance, Commitment, and Renewal
As the Church entered the Sacred Triduum, the Archbishop called on Catholics to be present not only at the table of the Lord but also at the foot of their neighbour’s suffering, echoing Jesus’ question in the Garden: “Can you watch with me for one hour?”
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper, celebrated with deep reverence, concluded with the Transfer of the Blessed Sacrament, as the faithful prepared to journey with Christ through Good Friday and into the light of Easter.