Holy Thursday Scripture Readings and Reflection: 4-2-2026

·41 min·4 clips

Frank Pavone argues some priests stay silent on abortion to avoid offending powerful donors and politicians.

Frank Pavone opens the episode by welcoming listeners to the End Abortion Podcast and introducing the Holy Thursday special broadcast. He begins with a prayer invoking the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, asking for blessings on the church and discipleship. Pavone explains that Holy Thursday is the final day of Lent, marking the start of the Triduum, the three-day period from Holy Thursday night to Easter Sunday night. He outlines the liturgical structure, including the Octave of Easter and the 50-day Easter season. Pavone notes the unusual absence of morning Mass on Holy Thursday and empty tabernacles in churches, linking this to recreating the experience of the Last Supper. He emphasizes that the Mass of the Lord's Supper commemorates the first giving of the Eucharist, with all communion hosts consecrated at that Mass. Pavone distinguishes the Eucharist as Christ himself, unlike other sacraments which are graces of Christ. He recommends reading John chapters 14-17, the Last Supper Discourse, and interprets the washing of the feet as a symbol of Jesus' incarnation and service. Pavone explains that Jesus' miracles were signs to generate faith, not merely horizontal service. He discusses the gift of the priesthood, noting that priests renew their promises in a ceremony, often earlier in the week. Pavone reads the renewal questions, emphasizing priests' duty to preach the full gospel without filtering or holding back teachings, which he terms 'clerical contraception.' He argues that priestly gifts are for building up the church, not personal holiness, and that holiness comes from obedience and virtue. Pavone criticizes priests who remain silent on abortion to avoid offending political allies or wealthy donors, stating they should not seek gain but zeal for souls. He connects the command of charity from John's Gospel to self-giving in all vocations, symbolizing love with the crucifix. Pavone describes Jesus' agony in the garden, his prayer for God's will, and the disciples deserting him. He recounts the arrest where Jesus says 'I am,' causing the soldiers to fall back, highlighting Jesus' control despite his suffering. Pavone refutes early heresies that denied Jesus' real suffering, affirming it as an article of faith. He concludes with a prayer including the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be, and previews tomorrow's Good Friday meditation on the ceremony's symbolism.

As heard by us

A Holy Thursday reflection that ties priesthood, preaching, and pro-life purpose together.

Frank Pavone uses this Holy Thursday reflection to link the Eucharist, the priesthood, and charity to a broader charge to preach the word in full. He draws on Isaiah 55 and warns that fear can tempt a preacher to hold back, even naming that retreat "clerical contraception".

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You want Holy Thursday treated as a live prayerful reflection, with pro-life urgency and prayer up front.

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