First reading: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 116
Second reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Gospel reading: John 13:1-15
"As I have done, so you must do."
The gospel for the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper is a passage with just 15 verses in the 13th chapter of John's gospel. It emphasizes an act of humility and service which Jesus performed for His companion-apostles. This was how the evangelist described that significant and memorable act of service:
- Jesus rose from the meal table,
- took off His cloak,
- picked up a towel to tie it around Himself,
- poured water into a basin,
- and began to wash His disciples' feet.
When Jesus came to the spot where Simon Peter was seated, Peter did not accede at first. It was because he was aware of Jesus as his Master and refused to be washed. But when Jesus explained that this action will give Peter a share in His heritage, Peter overreacted, and now wanted his hands and his head washed as well! Knowing Peter well, Jesus told him plainly that only his feet needed to be washed. After Jesus completed this prophetic action, He put His cloak back on, and reclined at table once more.
This act of washing the apostles' feet is a concrete example of what Jesus had been preaching in His ministry to the people: "the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve." His act of washing of the apostles' feet in the Last Supper gospel account is replicated with simple drama at every Holy Thursday Mass. Those who attend the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper can see what it means to be a Christian. The priest-presider will follow what Jesus did: he will wash the feet of twelve selected members of his parish. He will follow Jesus' command: "As I have done, so you must do." This happens in all parishes around the world. Every parishioner of every parish is now called to do as the priest-presider had done. They are to bring that spirit of humble service to every area of their secular work and life.
What does "washing each other's feet" mean for the faithful today? As Catholics celebrate the Eucharist, each one receives the Body and Blood of Jesus - the very life-force that produces the quality of humble service to every member of the community - members of the family, co-workers, and the people on the streets (pedestrians, vendors, tricycle drives, Grab drivers, barangay Tanods, traffic enforcers, etc). Each believer is called to be kind to all - not only to those he knows. It is these daily interactions with others where every one can obey the command of Jesus do as He has done - to be of service to all, especially the marginalized and the sick. In imitation of Christ, each one can see what good can be done to better any situation experienced on the way to work or en route back home.
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