Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
The Gospel for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper reminds us of Jesus’ desire, even demand, that we go out and wash each other’s feet.
To follow the Lord’s command our Church must seek to serve more than be served. The Church, here, means everyone – not an institution – but you and me. We are called to wash feet.
That means that we should get to it and even get dirty, if necessary – feet can get smelly and grimy. We are tasked to refresh the tired, soften the calloused, soothe the aching and massage the tension out of those who are anxious.
Jesus brought comfort to his followers by washing their feet – and asked us to bring comfort to each other too (“As I have done for you, you should also do”).
Pray for our priests. Tonight is the night that commemorates this institution of the priesthood. We ask a lot from our priests: we want them to wash our feet and inspire us to do the same.
Pray before the Blessed Sacrament: tonight also commemorates the institution of the Eucharist, the source and summit of our lives as Christian faithful. The celebration of the Mass is the offering of Christ’s sacrifice of obedience to the Father out of love for us. He washed us with his life, may we offer our lives for him – by washing each other’s feet.