6 April 2023
Holy Thursday -Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
This evening as we remember the gift Our Lord has given in the Holy Eucharist, let us focus on Christ at the Last Supper. The Gospel tells us that “He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.” (Jn 13:1) Particularly in the mysteries of this Triduum, we are to see that Jesus’ love is on full display. Then John relates another detail about Jesus at the Last Supper: “…fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power…” (Jn 13:3) Also in the mysteries of these three days, we contemplate how Jesus demonstrates the infinite power He possesses.
Jesus turns to the disciples and emphasizes His actions with His words. “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.” (Jn 13:14-15) With all the authority and power that Christ has at His command, what does He order the disciples to do? To humble themselves before each other. To care for one another. To do the tasks of lowly servants for one another. To love one another. This is the lesson of Our Teacher. This is the command of Our Lord.
Moreover, Jesus does not command without first leading with His own example. We who struggle with humility, with serving this or that other person in our family, work, or church; we would do well to set Christ’s example before the eyes of our mind. Let us picture Jesus as He takes off his formal attire, picks up a towel and a basin, and kneels before his resistant disciples. Let us picture Christ doing this humble deed for us, gently washing and drying our feet. Let us allow Christ’s humility in service, in the Eucharist, in the Passion, to strengthen us for loving those now whom we have struggled to love humbly in the past.