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When Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet, he said to them: “Amen,
amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any
messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand
this, blessed are you if you do it.” John 13:16–17
Today’s Gospel comes from the Last Supper, just after Jesus washed
His disciples’ feet. What an act of humility! By analogy, it would
be as if a king knelt before his servants to polish their shoes,
setting aside his glory to attend to their most basic needs. This
act would teach them that true greatness lies not in power but in
love and humble service. Such an act would make quite an impression
on those servants, helping them understand their duty within the
king’s royal court and their responsibility toward the people of
the kingdom.
The Apostles might not have understood the full meaning of Jesus’
act of humility that Holy Thursday evening. As time went on,
however, and the Apostles embraced their roles as spiritual leaders
of the early Church, Jesus’ actions would have become the
foundation of their understanding of servant leadership—one that
they themselves were called to imitate as shepherds of Christ’s
flock. Leadership in the Kingdom of God is not about seeking honors
or recognition but about humbling oneself in selfless service to
others. This includes not only leaders within the Church, but also
leaders within the community and within families.
Jesus’ example becomes even more impactful when we consider the
presence of Judas at this intimate moment. The Gospel goes on to
reveal that Jesus acknowledged that one of those whose feet He
washed would betray Him. He served Judas anyway. In this one act,
Jesus not only demonstrated humility but also showed that His love
knows no boundaries, extending even to those who would reject and
betray Him.
In our lives, when we encounter those who betray us or sin against
us in any way, we are immediately tempted to lash out. Imitating
Jesus, however, requires us to humble ourselves even before the
worst of sinners, rather than condemn them. Jesus did not approve
of Judas’ betrayal. Instead, He identified it by quoting Psalm
41:10: “The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.”
Then, to reassure the remaining disciples of His divine mission, He
said: “From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when
it happens you may believe that I AM” (John 13:19).
Jesus was essentially saying that once the other eleven Apostles
learned of Judas’ betrayal, they would understand that only God—I
AM—is capable of humbly loving and serving those who sin against
Him. As the Apostles reflected on Jesus’ act in the days and years
to come, they would have recognized that such love transcends human
capacity and points to the divine. Jesus’ willingness to serve
Judas, knowing full well the betrayal to come, reveals that God’s
love is not dependent on human strength but flows unconditionally,
offering even sinners the chance for redemption. Each of us is
called to participate in that same depth of love.
Reflect today on Jesus’ unconditional humility and love and His
call to imitate Him. Consider the relationships in your life: Are
there people from whom you have withheld love or forgiveness? Is
there anyone whom you refuse to serve with humility? Ask for the
grace to love as Jesus loved, to serve even those who have hurt
you, and to bear witness to the divine humility of Christ, who
loved without limits. Pray for the grace to take a concrete step
today to reconcile with someone you struggle to love or forgive,
imitating Christ’s humility and boundless love. In doing so, you
not only follow His example but also become a living witness to His
ongoing presence in the world.
My humble Lord, You love everyone with perfection, even serving
those who have betrayed You. In doing so, You have set an example
for us to follow. Please give me the grace I need to imitate You by
humbling myself before others, even those who have sinned against
me. Strengthen me in moments of betrayal, so that I may respond
with love and humility. Jesus, I trust in You.
Image: Christ Washes the Feet of St Peter by Lawrence OP, license
CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
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