The Gospel according to John (13:1-15)
Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over. So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.” Jesus said to him, “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all.” For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
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.”
Reflection: To understand the actions of Jesus and their meaning we often look within. Today’s gospel made me think of the day Ana and I were married. Specifically, when we exchanged our vows. Little did the fresh faced 19-year kid realize what he was saying. I understood the words but had yet to experience their meaning. That came with time, through many trials, challenges, and the commitment and fruition of those sacred words. In all the relationships we are blessed to have there is none greater than the lifelong bond of marriage. Not better, more blessed but what other relationship requires a surrender of oneself for the sake of another until death do us part.
As a Catholic, I heard that we must die to ourselves putting God and others before us. As a spouse and now especially as a Deacon’s wife, I have learned that it’s not about me and I am also called to serve our Lord. Although Paul was the one ordained, I have my role and am called to follow Jesus’s model as He mentions in the Gospel. I support Paul in our different ministries and am present for those who are grieving, in pain, and may just need an encouraging word. I am blessed to be a visible sign in our sacramental relationship wherever we go and whatever we do.
As we reach the conclusion of our Lenten Season and enter into the Passion of Christ are we ready to follow His steps to Calvary? Will we remain with Him or run and hide? We have all done both. Let Jesus, our master, wash our feet and receive the tender, humble kindness of our friend who will never run and hide. He always was, is, and will be with us, until the end of time.
Action of the Day: Allow yourself to experience the suffering of Jesus in a new way this year. Let go of fear and timidness and enter the valley of pain and anguish that love endures for you. As you take a step or simply stand in awe allow your prayer, in the presence of our Saviour, to lead you to the Glory of His ressurection and new life.
Audio Reflection:
