As I have done, so you must
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As I have done, so you must
do.Readings: Exodus 12:1-8, 11 - 14 -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 --
John 13:1-15
Each year the Jewish people remembered their liberation from slavery in Egypt with the great Passover feast. It was during this time of the year that Jesus went down to Jerusalem, in solidarity with all human beings, even unto death on the Cross.
At the supper that was lovingly prepared for our Lord, probably by his Mother
and the other women who followed him and, as the Gospels say, cared for his
needs, he rose from the meal, took a basin and a towel, and began to wash his
disciples feet. This seems to have caused some consternation among the
apostles. Washing the feet of guests seems to be the work of a servant,
perhaps even a slave. We can picture Simon Peter, pulling his feet back and
saying, "Lord, you are not gonna wash my feet." But then Jesus teaches Peter
about humility, and Peter becomes willing, not only for his feet to be washed,
but also for his whole body to be cleansed.
After washing their feet, Jesus reclined back at the table and asked them, "Do
you understand what I just did for you?
Jesus is Master and Lord, yet he does the work of the lowest house servant. He does this as an example for us.
As Christ has done, so must we all do.
Tonight, across the world, the Church calls us
together to celebrate that first "Mass", the
"Lord's Supper", and we will watch our priests
and deacons set the example for us as they wash
the feet of members of the Church. The custom
of washing the feet of guests is not part of the
hospitality traditions of most modern cultures,
but the teachings on humility that this act
conveys remain very relevant for us today in this high pressure,
"Winning Through Intimidation" world. Those who would be great must be the servants of all.
This is as true for the Pope in Rome as it is for me on Oakley Street in Kansas City, or for you
whoever and wherever you are.
As Christ has done, so must we all do.
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