By John Desing, CSC –
Readings: Ex 12: 1-8, 11-14; 1 Cor 11: 23-26; Jn 13: 1-15
Holy Thursday commemorates the Passover Feast where the Jews remember their passing over from Egypt to Canaan. Hence, they offered sacrifices to Yahweh who liberated them.
In the New Testament, Jesus became the new sacrificial Passover lamb by offering his body and blood for our sins in the place of an animal.
In today’s readings, we have several symbols and gestures that explain the purpose of what Jesus was doing at the last supper, particularly at the washing of the feet of the disciples.
Washing the feet as per Christian tradition has got multiple purposes and meanings. The external aspect of this act is for cleansing and purification before entering a house of celebration.
It is also vital to understand what the intent of Jesus was behind these historic and prophetic acts as Jesus himself asked, “Do you know what I have done to you”? He intended to teach his disciples to do what he had shown them. It was not a kind of demonstration or play that Jesus did. It was an act of servantleadership which we, his followers, must also do to one another.
This is also an invitation for all of us that the Eucharist symbolizes the self-giving and self-emptying of Christ for all of us on the cross. Are we ready to give ourselves for others despite the fear that we might fail? We are called to resemble Christ’s servanthood to others by practicing humility, obedience, and other-centeredness.