Jesus teaches His followers to be true servants
Reflections on the readings for Holy Thursday / Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper (March 29, 2018): EX 12:1-8,11-14, PS 116:12-13,15-16,17-18, 1 COR 11:23-26, JN 13:1-15
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
The Gospel for this special Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper reveals Jesus teaching and demonstrating His love until the very end. He wants His Apostles to understand that selfless service is vital to the life of each one of His followers.
So the Son of Almighty God insists on washing the feet of His closest disciples. “If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed you 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 13:14-15).
Christ wants His followers to embrace His example by putting others before themselves. The Apostles, who had sometimes disputed among themselves who were most important, were told to serve others with humility and generosity. Jesus loved them just as He loves us. He wants us all to share His merciful love with other people through our respect, compassion and support. Let us celebrate Christ’s life and love by taking His path of holiness day by day.
Suggested missionary action: Let us take some time to meditate on the great gift of the Holy Eucharist. Let us also pray that God guide all priests and that He grant us more vocations to the priesthood.
