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Writer's picture Olivia M. Bannan

THURSDAY OF HOLY WEEK APRIL 18, 2019


A reading of the holy Gospel according to John 13:1-15

Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over. So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. 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. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Master, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later." Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me." Simon Peter said to him, "Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well." Jesus said to him, "Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all." For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, "Not all of you are clean." So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, "Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me 'teacher' and 'master,' and rightly so, for indeed I am. 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."

REFLECTION: "I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do."

Do we love just as equally if we are happy, sad, disappointed or tired? Jesus’ love for us does not waver. He is one with His Father and He shows us how the Father wants us to behave toward one another. He knows that His hour is soon to be. He knows that all the apostles except one would vanish into thin air, one would deny and another would betray. Yet knowing this, He still does the menial work of servitude. What humiliation and what sacrifice we are allowed to witness at the Last Supper.

We are all to imitate Jesus--in loving, forgiving, and helping. Jesus likewise instituted the first Mass by giving us His Body and Blood. Jesus also instituted the priesthood. Will we sacrifice for Jesus ?-- Will we show up on time for Mass, pray without ceasing, not be distracted with cell phone bleeps during Mass, or making a mental grocery list or making future plans during Mass or gossiping after Mass?

When a gift is given to us--the person gifting chose that gift for you. We always thank them and recall with kindness what they did for us. The gift of His life is far more than one can imagine. May we always do for others as Jesus did for us.

Praying that our priests may never forget what an honor and obligation they have when they celebrate Mass.


PAPA Foundation
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