Homily given by Archbishop Anthony Randazzo
Prefect of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts & Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Broken Bay
Holy Thursday
2 April 2026
My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, tonight, we gather to begin the sacred journey of the Paschal Triduum. On this Holy Thursday, at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, we are invited into the mystery of love poured out, of service freely given, and of a peace the world cannot give, yet so deeply needs in our time.
Our hearts are not untouched by the unrest of the world around us. We see conflict, division, uncertainty, and fear. Many carry personal burdens as well, worries for family, for health, for the future. Into all of this, the Word of God speaks not with noise, but with a quiet and steady promise: peace is possible. Peace is given. Peace is Jesus Christ.
In our first reading, we are taken to a night of urgency and trust. The people of Israel are instructed to mark their doorposts, and God says, “The blood shall serve to mark the houses that you live in. When I see the blood I will pass over you and you shall escape the destroying plague.” (Exodus 12:13)
This is peace as protection, peace as safety in the midst of danger. It is not the absence of threat, but the presence of God that makes the difference. And notice how this peace is lived: “Each man must take an animal from the flock, one for each family.” (Exodus 12:3-4) No one stands alone. There is preparation in unity, families gathered, neighbours sharing. Peace is not only given by God; peace is also built among people, through trust, cooperation, and care for one another.
This same movement of peace deepens in our second reading. Saint Paul hands on what he himself has received: “This is my body, which is for you.” (1 Cor 11:24) Here is peace through self-giving love. Jesus does not offer a distant solution. He gives himself. Completely. Freely. For us. And again, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” (1 Cor 11:25) A covenant is not merely an agreement. It is a relationship restored. It is God saying to humanity: I am with you. I am for you. Nothing will separate you from my love.
This is peace at its deepest level, reconciliation between God and his people, a peace that flows into the heart, into the community, and into the world. Each time we gather at the altar, we do not simply remember this gift, we enter into it. We are drawn into that same self-giving love. We are strengthened to become people of peace, not in word only, but in the way we live, forgive, and serve.
And then, in the Gospel, we see something astonishing. The Lord, knowing who he is, knowing that all has been placed in his hands, rises from the table, takes a towel, and begins to wash the feet of his disciples. “He got up from table and began to wash the disciples’ feet.” (John 13:4-5)
This is peace made visible. Not power over others, but love poured out for others. Not dominance, but humility. Not distance, but closeness. And he says, “If I then, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you should wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example.” (John 13:14-15)
Peace, then, is not something abstract. It is something we do. It is found in small acts of service, in patient listening, in choosing kindness over anger, in forgiving when it is difficult, in standing with those who are alone or suffering.
Tonight, as we reflect on these sacred readings, we are invited to receive peace and to become instruments of peace.
To our clergy, who carry the weight and grace of ministry, this night is especially yours. You are entrusted with the proclamation of the Gospel and the celebration of Eucharist, with the care of God’s people, with the quiet and often unseen work of shepherding souls.
Be encouraged. The peace you offer does not come from your own strength alone, but from Christ who works through you. In your faithful service, in your celebration of the sacraments, in your presence among the people, the peace of Christ is made real.
And to you, my brothers and sisters, Christ’s faithful, you are not spectators in this mystery. You are participants. The peace we celebrate tonight must take flesh in your homes, your workplaces, your schools and universities, your communities. The world will not be changed by grand gestures alone, but by hearts transformed in Jesus Christ, choosing daily to live his way of love.
As we move from this night into Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and the joy of Easter Sunday, this theme of peace will remain with us. It will pass through suffering, through silence, through waiting, and finally burst forth in resurrection. For the peace of Christ is not fragile. It is stronger than sin, stronger than fear, stronger even than death.
So tonight, my dear sisters and brothers, let us come to the table of the altar with open hearts. Let us receive the gift of Jesus’ body and blood. Let us allow the peace of Christ to dwell within us. And then, like him, let us rise, take up the towel, and serve. Amen.