In today's Gospel reading, we witness Jesus washing his disciples' feet at the Last Supper. Although there is an incident from this scene that we don't see in our reading today, it is provided for us in Luke's Gospel. Most of us are familiar with it. Amid the incredible things happening in the Upper Room, some of the disciples begin to engage in a petty argument about who among them is the greatest. The debate gets rather heated.
One must wonder what Jesus’ inner reaction was to this pointless argument of His disciples. We will never know. But, what He did do was He stood up and picked up a towel and wrapped it around His waist. Then He took a pitcher and basin of water and began to wash His disciples’ feet.
Peter protested much the same way we would when someone of great stature would do something like that. We would shrink away from it. We know that we are supposed to be humble before God but it is hard to see God being humble before us.
He did this for each one of us and also gave us a command to serve and break bread, thereby revealing the presence of Christ. This is a huge responsibility and a great call. Every time we gather to break bread and share the chalice, we must remember this command.
Our Eucharist is all about the presence of God in simple bread and wine and the responsibility to be bread and wine to others. Breaking open the Word of Scripture and consecrating bread and wine to bring Christ among us is both comforting and challenging.
This is what we celebrate on Holy Thursday: The gift of God who gives His Flesh and Blood and, with no apology, gives us the command to do the same.
Homily for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Homily for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
Homily for the Solemnity of Pentecost
Homily for the 7th Sunday of Easter
Homily for the 6th Sunday of Easter
Homily for the 5th Sunday of Easter
Homily for the 4th Sunday of Easter
Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Easter
Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Easter
Homily for Monday in the Octave of Easter
Homily for Easter Sunday
Homily for Good Friday
Homily for Holy Thursday
Homily for Wednesday of Holy Week
Homily for Tuesday of Holy Week
Homily for Monday of Holy Week
Homily for Passion (Palm) Sunday
Homily for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent
Homily for Friday of the 5th Week of Lent
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