Reflection for April 1, 2010: Holy Thursday.
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Author
Zuegner, Carol
Date
2010-04-01College of Arts and Sciences; Journalism, Media and Computing
Reading 1
Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
Psalm
Psalms 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18
Psalms 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18
Reading 2
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Gospel
John 13:1-15
John 13:1-15
Lectionary Number
39. Year C, Easter Triduum.
39. Year C, Easter Triduum.
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Reflection:
To see the original html page, click the file link on the left.The heart of the Holy Thursday Mass comes in the Gospel of John, where John describes Jesus before the Passover feast with the apostles. Jesus knows the end is near. In those last hours with the apostles, Jesus ties a towel around his waist and washes their feet. The gesture and the act are so full of humility and love. The actions speak more than a torrent of words. The apostles don't quite understand, but Jesus assures them that they will. This ritual, carried out every Holy Thursday, in churches in Rome to my neighborhood parish, still speaks volumes. We are humbled by Jesus' willingness to do such a personal and menial task. The model of love and willingness to sacrifice for others are so strongly portrayed in the simple act of washing feet. With that act, Jesus put his faith in those apostles, and throughout the ages, to each of us. We don't always understand, but we can follow Jesus' example and model of humility and sacrifice.The beauty and simplicity of the Gospel story work in tandem with the first two readings. The first reading sets the scene of Passover while the second reading resonates with the familiar words of the Eucharist. We have a covenant that we renew each time we receive communion. I pray that I am mindful of that covenant, of the promise I make. And I pray for humility and the willingness to follow Jesus' model of love.
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