Holy Thursday: Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper
“Fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God…” (John 13:3), Jesus proceeds to wash his disciples’ feet. The gospel writer tells us that Jesus was fully aware of his power and, yet, he chose to model serving others. The disciples’ feet were, no doubt, dirty, maybe rough and calloused too. Washing another person’s feet was an act that could not even be required of the lowliest Jewish slave, and yet here was Jesus washing and drying the disciples’ feet. After he finished, John’s gospel says that Jesus told his disciples, “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”(vs15)
Jesus, son of God, could have used his power in many ways, but he chose to model serving others with love and offering his life, his body and blood, as a sacrifice for all to be freed from the bonds of sin and death. This evening’s Mass of the Last Supper celebrates the institution of the Eucharist (see today’s second reading from 1 Cor.) as well as Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet. They are both acts that connect us in a physical way with God, our creator. Jesus physically bends down and washes his disciples’ feet with his own hands. And Jesus offers his body and blood through the bread and wine to his disciples shortly before his body is nailed to the wood of the cross and his blood pours forth from his wounds. He doesn’t just talk about it, he lives it.
So, what does this mean for us more than two thousand years later? As Christians, as disciples of Jesus, are we following the model of being servant to others? I have been very moved and encouraged by Pope Francis’ decision to celebrate Holy Thursday mass in a youth prison. Presumably washing the feet of those imprisoned young people who have been cast out by society, whose lives took a wrong turn for whatever reason, who are so in need of love and a cleansing of their hearts and their wounds, Pope Francis is following Jesus’ example of serving. And by doing so, he is setting an example for religious leaders and Christians throughout the world.
In today’s Gospel reading we also hear of Peter feeling unworthy and initially resisting Jesus washing his feet. I have found that sometimes it takes greater humility to be open to receiving what others are offering me in my need. Would I allow Jesus to wash my feet? Do I allow Jesus to cleanse my heart, to heal my wounds? As Jesus said to Peter, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” May we respond with Peter, “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.”
As we continue to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, let us allow Jesus to wash us clean, not holding back any of ourselves of which we are ashamed. And let us also pray to be humble servants to others, for this is at the heart of being a disciple.
Eileen Miller