Lent ends without ceremony before the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday and the Triduum begins with that Mass. The Gospel for this day, John 13:1-15, relates the story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples at what we call Jesus’ Last Supper before his death.
Washing feet was a common practice in Jesus’s time. Since people were not walking on concrete roads in closed-toe shoes, feet were often dirty and dusty. It was an act of hospitality to provide guests with what was needed to wash their feet. In wealthier homes, a servant would wash guests’ feet. When Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, he was taking upon himself the task of a slave, something that would never be done by a host or homeowner. Jesus clearly tells his followers the meaning of this action: “You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I therefore, the master and teacher have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” John 13:13-15. By washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus is teaching the way of humility and demonstrating what kind of leaders he wants them to be.
Reflection Opportunity on the Footwashing:
1. Consider who and when you serve others. What can we do to be of service? Are we on the lookout for how we can help family, friends, neighbors, parishioners, and even strangers? Could we shovel a sidewalk, mow the lawn, share a meal, provide transportation, etc.?
2. Are we willing to pitch in and help with needed tasks at work, home, church, or neighborhood, or do we consider ourselves “above” that kind of work?
3. Do we stop to listen to the concerns of others, or are we too busy with our own interests?
4. What are our “trouble spots” where we are less likely to respond with kindness rather than annoyance, irritation, “road” rage, or frustration? How can we make a change in our response?
Reflection Opportunity on the Gospel - The Last Supper:
At the Last Supper, Jesus, for the first time, takes bread and wine and tells his disciples that it has become his Body and his Blood. Jesus told us to “Do this in memory of me,” and we do. Jesus TAKES the bread and the wine, he BLESSES it, he BREAKS the bread and he POURS OUT the wine, and he SHARES it with his disciples. We have been “taken” by God, our Creator. We are chosen, we are precious in the eyes of God. We have been “blessed” by God, given all that we need to live as God’s creatures. We are filled with gratitude at God’s generosity. We have been “broken and poured out.” We have known loneliness and loss, pain and disappointment. Suffering may cause some to despair, but we can learn and grow through our suffering. In our brokenness, we remember God’s love. Then, we can “share” ourselves with others. We give of ourselves, poured out and broken. What we have received from God, we give to one another.
What does the above reflection on Christ’s Body and Blood mean to you?