Holy
Thursday
April 8, 2004
Scripture:Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14;
Cor. 11:23-26; John 13:1-15
Reflection:
As I pondered this gospel scene where John recounts Christ’s
washing of His disciples’ feet, words from a Christmas
poem by Sister Paulinus Sullivan, IHM repeatedly come to mind:
“You cannot find a single use for pride
Here where the highest chooses to be low.”
Certainly, these words capsulize the attitude of humility the
scripture impels us to pray for on this night when we commemorate
the action of our all high God. He chose to divest himself of
his outer garments and, despite the forceful objection of his
dear friend Peter, he performed the task usually allotted to
servants and slaves, the washing of feet.
At first glance it might seem paradoxical that with myriad writings
available on the Last Supper, one would use the words which
conclude a Christmas poem to reflect on the Holy Thursday Gospel,
but in probing a little deeper, one can discern that the Word
of God who was divested of his divinity to live among us at
Christmas and the Christ who divested himself of his outer garments
to wash His disciples’ feet form part of a seamless garment
of a life lived in spirit and in truth and in service. Christ,
the Most High, has chosen to be low. Truly he has, throughout
his life, given us a model. When we truly see this model, we
will choose the lowliness loved by our God.
Suggested Action:
During the sacred Triduum, find a concrete way to imitate Christ,
our model by giving service to the needy in your midst.
Sr. Lillian Farrell, IHM
Endwell, New York |
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