Holy Thursday
Scripture:
Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-15
Reflection:
Today continues our journey to the Cross with remembrance of the Last Supper and washing of the feet. Holy Thursday opens ourselves to the love that is placed before us on the cross. This Holy Day reminds us not only of great gift of the Eucharist but also the service that we should provide to one another.
This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.
Our participation in the Last Supper at every Mass has a vertical and horizontal nature. Vertically, it strengthens our relationship with God, reminding us that all we have comes from him and goes back to him. The horizontal element strengthens our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. The gifts and graces that we receive in the Eucharist, we are called to then share with others. And not only share but take responsibility for and to love one another. Jesus is the model for this in the washing of the feet of the disciples
He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.
Through the gift of Christ in the Eucharist, we are called to serve one another with the gifts we have been given. The range of the ways we can use our gifts is vast. We are taught that it is our duty to serve one another. What we don’t always remember is that Jesus also showed his disciple how to be served. It can be difficult to humble ourselves and be served by another person. Whether that be accepting meals during an illness, or asking others to pray for you, we have to be open to accepting the help of others. God sends us graces and gifts through others when we are in need; let us be open to accepting it.
As come to the end of this Lenten season, let us recall the ways that God has called us to serve one another and how we can learn to be served.
I have given you a model to follow, so that I have done for you, you should also do.
Will you let me be your servant? Let me be as Christ to you. Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too. – Servant Song
Kim Valdez is a Pastoral Associate at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas.