Holy Thursday
The story of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples stands as a lesson in service to us. In its re-enactment during Holy Week, many people willingly step up to wash another’s feet, but find it extremely uncomfortable to have their own feet washed.
We are taught it is better to give than to receive, and culturally it is reinforced that it is better to serve than be served. But Jesus’ call for us to love one another, and to love our neighbor as ourselves suggests a reciprocity that eliminates any hierarchy between server and served. To bring about the Kingdom of God we must be willing to accept the gifts of service as well as give them.
Jesus knew what a hard lesson this is: “Do you know what I have done to you?” he asks. Jesus is in the space between giver and receiver, who are equal partners in dwelling in that space.
Readings for Mar. 24, 2016, Holy Thursday
Chrism Mass
Reading 1 — Isaiah 61:1-3A, 6A, 8B-9
Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 89:21-22, 25 and 27
Reading 2 — Revelations 1:5-8
Verse Before The Gospel — Isaiah 61:1 (Cited in Luke 4:18)
Gospel — Luke 4:16-21
Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Reading 1 — Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16BC, 17-18
Reading 2 — 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Verse Before The Gospel — John 13:34
Gospel — John 13:1-15
To see today’s readings, click here for USCCB’s Daily Readings …