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 Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel & Raphael, Archangels
Homily for Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul
Homily for Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of St. Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio)
Homily for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist
Homily for the Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and their Companions
Homily for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Monday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Epiphany of the Lord
Homily for the Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist
Homily for the Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, & Companions, Martyrs
Homily for Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for Saturday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian
Homily for the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows
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