Holy Thursday: Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
I have given you a model to follow. (John 13:15)
Look at the contrast. The apostles were arguing with each other at the Last Supper, while Jesus was on his knees washing their feet.
The washing of the feet was not a new practice invented by Jesus. It was commonly practiced whenever a person entered a house after a journey. Typically, family members and their guests would wash their own feet. But wealthy people had slaves to do the washing for them.
That’s what makes Jesus’ gesture so moving. The disciples could have washed their own feet, as they normally would, but Jesus insisted on taking the role of a slave and doing it for them. Let’s not forget, also that these were not the elegant, perfumed, well-tended feet of princes. These feet were probably dirty and smelly. No wonder Peter took offense! Jesus, the man he once called “Holy One of God,” should never have to do such demeaning work (John 6:69)!
But that’s not how Jesus saw it. He wanted the disciples, and us, to see how committed he was to saving us. No sin is so large that it keeps him away. He will do whatever it takes to wash us clean. By washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus demonstrated that he came to serve us and to give up his life for our sake.
There was another reason Jesus washed their feet. He told them, “I have given you a model to follow” (John 13:15). He wants all of us to imitate him—especially in the area of offering love, forgiveness, and service. Just as there is no sin too large to be forgiven, there is no task too menial for us to do—especially if it’s in the service of someone in need. If Jesus is willing to humble himself and serve us in such a lowly task, we should do what we can for everyone around us. We should be willing to perform even the most unpleasant tasks for the glory of Jesus and the healing of his people.
Today we recall the Last Supper, when Jesus first gave us his Body and Blood. May we be just as willing to offer our lives to the people around us.
“Lord, I want to do for the people around me as you have done for me.”
Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
