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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.” John 13:12–15
The celebration of the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy
Thursday is one of the most spiritually enriching liturgical
celebrations of the year. The Mass begins with an empty tabernacle.
After the readings and homily, the ritual of the washing of the
disciples’ feet takes place. The Mass culminates with the
celebration of the Eucharist, which is then carried in procession
to another altar for adoration by the faithful until midnight,
during which time we are invited to spend an hour with our Lord, in
communion with Him during His Agony in the Garden.
The Gospel for the Mass, from Saint John, presents the beginning of
Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples. Jesus performs the act of a
servant by washing the disciples’ feet. Though this surprises them,
especially Peter, Jesus insists, saying, “Unless I wash you, you
will have no inheritance with me” (John 13:8). Our Lord says the
same to us.
Often people understand the washing of the feet only superficially.
Perhaps that is why Jesus said to the disciples, “Do you realize
what I have done for you?...” This begs the question: Do you
understand the deep and transforming meaning of this most sacred
act? This was not Jesus’ way of simply telling us that we should be
nice to one another and look for opportunities to do each other
kind favors. The meaning is much richer. First, we need to be
washed by Jesus. Second, we must participate in Jesus’ washing of
others.
How are you washed by Jesus? By His Cross and Resurrection that
destroyed sin and restored eternal life. We need to be washed by
His blood, which was shed for us and first administered to His
disciples at the Last Supper. Jesus was telling them that they need
the cleansing He was giving them: the cleansing of sin. Today, this
cleansing takes place first in Baptism and then in Reconciliation.
If we wish to share in the Eucharist fruitfully, we must first be
cleansed through Baptism. When we sin later in life, this cleansing
takes place by confessing our sins in the Sacrament of
Reconciliation, which prepares us to receive Him worthily in the
Eucharist. When we receive those sacraments, we should hear our
Lord say to us, “Do you realize what I have done for you?”
After that question, Jesus says, “I have given you a model to
follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” Of
course, we are not Jesus. We cannot forgive sins and give to others
His Sacred Body and Blood, right? Remember that Jesus was talking
to His Apostles, the first bishops, so, “Yes,” Jesus was commanding
them, and all bishops and priests that followed, to perpetuate His
ongoing gift through the faithful administration of the Sacraments
He instituted.
Though that is the central command, our Lord also calls all of us
to participate in His self-gift. Though only He could offer us the
cleansing and transformation we need—which is perpetuated
throughout time in the Sacraments—He also commands each of us to
imitate His sacrificial love in charity, the “model” He has given
us to follow. Forgiven of our sins and strengthened by the
Eucharist, we must turn our attention to others, choosing to do
everything necessary to be Christ to them, laying our lives down,
selflessly and without hesitation. This command applies not only to
those we like, but to everyone, equally and unwaveringly. Note that
Jesus even washed Judas’ feet, despite knowing Judas would soon
betray Him. In doing so, Jesus teaches us that charity extends even
to those who wrong us, calling us to love as He loves—without
conditions or limits.
Reflect today upon Jesus’ question to the Twelve: “Do you realize
what I have done for you?” Ponder that question today, especially
this evening. Do you understand the depth of His Sacrifice? Do you
understand the Sacraments that perpetuate that Sacrifice throughout
time? Do you understand the demands that your reception of His gift
places on you? Be open to all that Jesus offers you and, in turn,
give what you have been given to others.
My sacrificial Teacher and Lord, You have poured out upon me
Your Precious Blood to cleanse me from sin and restore me to life.
Though I will never fully fathom this Gift, I pray for
Understanding, so that I can comprehend more fully this great
mystery. As You transform me, please use me as a gift, poured out
for others, in charity and selfless service of divine love. Jesus,
I trust in You.
Image: Benvenuto Tisi, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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