Holy Thursday
Scripture:
Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-15
Reflection:
LENT IS OVER! For the past six weeks we have prayed, fasted and performed acts of kindness and service for God’s people. We begin the Sacred Triduum tonight with the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper! Holy Thursday celebrates the institution of the Eucharist as Jesus’ body and blood. The Sacred oils of Catechumens, Sick, and Holy Chrism, blessed by the Bishop at the Chrism Mass will be brought forth in procession ready to be used for anointing of the sick, and anointing in the celebration of Baptism and Confirmation for the coming year.
One of the most important rituals of this liturgy will take place with the washing of one another’s feet. During the Last Supper, Jesus demonstrated his love for his apostles and for us as he washed the feet of his disciples. It is important to remember that this action of washing feet during Jesus’ time was a task that was typically reserved for slaves. In performing this intimate and self-humbling act, Jesus showed just how and so deeply he loved his followers and us.
Jesus’ unconditional love for us calls us to respond in like manner with our sisters and brothers. He issued this clarion call to service with these words we hear in the Gospel of John.
“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.”
For me, the Holy Thursday ritual of washing one another’s feet and having someone wash mine in return is profound and humbling. I feel I am on holy ground and feel that undeserved, unconditional and unifying love God has for each one of us.
In preparing this reflection, I came across a reflection by Sr. Joyce Roach, OP relating her experience of working with orphan children in Mexico City many years ago. Her reflection is entitled; Orphan Feet: The Story of Carlos. During her two-week stay, six-year-old Carlos with a ready smile and infectious demeanor, wrapped himself around her heart! Sr Joyce related how she and Carlos would take daily walks around this very poor area. One day she noticed Carlos’ feet, covered with sand and dust as were most of the inhabitants of his village. His feet spoke to her of peoples’ struggles with hardships and brokenness of life, especially the poor, the lonely and the forgotten! Sr. Joyce took time that day to photograph Carlos’ feet and that picture was shared over the years in her ministry as teacher, counselor, nurse, spiritual director. She shared with us that just as we have no clear icon of Jesus’ face, but only his words, so it is with Carlos. His feet, not his face, live on!
I am reminded as I reflect on the story of Carlos and Sr. Joyce of how Pope Francis consistently heeds the call of Jesus as he washes the feet of the ‘Carlos’ in our world, the prisoner, the refugee, the sick and the forgotten on Holy Thursday each year.
Tonight, as we participate in the ritual of feet washing, may we do so with love for all members of the Body of Christ. May we continue to seek out and serve the Carlos’ who come to our door, walk with dusty and sandy feet on our streets and who humbly remind us of the one who suffered and died so that we may have new life. Amen.
Have a Blessed and Holy Triduum and Easter!
Theresa Secord is a retired Pastoral Associate at St. Agnes Parish, Louisville, Kentucky.