Holy Thursday: The Night that Changed the World

by François Mauriac, Mother Teresa

On the night before His death, His betrayer already at work, our Lord lifted a simple chalice in a world covered in darkness. Elevating it, He sealed for eternity a new covenant between God and man, imparting to us the gift of His Body and Blood. In these sublime meditations on the events of Holy Thursday, Nobel laureate François Mauriac reminds us of the ineffable value of the gift given us that evening in the Upper the Eucharist, present still in the tabernacles of the world ... where Christ waits patiently for us to visit Him, pray with Him, and receive fullness of life from Him . To read these stirring pages is to rejoice again in the fact that Christ has not left us orphans. He remains with us at all times in the Eucharist, without which we can never attain true peace. As Mauriac notes, No man knows himself, if he has not looked at his soul in the light of the Host lifted above the ciborium. Come, then, into the heart of this mystery of our Faith. Take your seat at the table beside our Lord. Learn why millions of souls believe that Christ is physically present in their local church, and discover the joy they experience when they meet Him there. You, too, can have the strength, the hope, and the consolation Christ gives to all who place themselves beside Him.

Genres: Catholic, Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1944

About the author

François Charles Mauriac was a French writer and a member of the Académie française. He was awarded the 1952 Nobel Prize in Literature "for the deep spiritual insight and the artistic intensity with which he has in his novels penetrated the drama of human life." Mauriac is acknowledged to be one of the greatest Roman Catholic writers of the 20th century.

Reviews

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and interesting book on a subject (Holy Thursday) that doesn't get written about very often. I found the book very insightful and satisfying and made the end of my Lenten journey complete.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my humble opinion, Holy Thursday is one of the most beautiful holy days on the Liturgical calendar. In this short, but deeply intimate book, Francois Mauriac brings the reader more deeply into that pivotal night before Christ suffered His Passion and death.
He intended the book for those unfamiliar with the holy day and its meaning, but anyone no matter where they are on their faith journey can gain deeper insight into Holy Thursday through this book. Each chapter, which deals with a different aspect of that night, is written like a meditation. While the author's primary purpose may have been to instruct the reader, it never feels that way.
There is also a beautiful Forward by Bl.Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
The book is out of print, but can be found through Amazon or Barnes & Noble's Used Books feature. I found my copy at Thriftbooks.com.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful little book on Holy Thursday and its meaning to us and the world. I found it quite delightful and insightful. Very well written. I would hope so as Mr. Mauriac did win the Nobel price for literature.
The author obviously had a great relationship with the Lord, to know Him so well. A great read on Holy Thursday or anytime.

[J Crossley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book focuses on Holy Thursday. Usually books will focus on Ash Wednesday or Good Friday; very few books will discuss Holy Thursday. This gave me new ways of looking at that day.

[Lennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful remembrance and meditation on Holy Thursday and the Blessed Sacrament. Mauriac's simple language shines light on the truth of the Body and Blood of Christ institued by Jesus on that Thursday long ago.

[Mary-Ethel · Rating 5 out of 5]

First published in French in 1931 when Mauriac was 46 his book is for everyone embodying the Divine Virtues (Good Habits) of Faith, Hope, and Charity.
A book which points out the road from sadness to joy.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A meditative look at Holy Thursday and the Eucharist that will linger in your mind long after finishing the book. I think this is a book that would be enhanced with a regular rereading in future Lenten seasons.

[Jacob Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insighful and eloquent meditations on the Eucharist and the meaning of Holy Thursday.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and reverent examine and celebration of the holy day and Jesus' great love, continually shared in the Eucharist

[Dave Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful use of language...

[Conor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful reflections.