As we begin the Triduum(the name of a three day period of prayer) of 2007, we have finished Lent for another year and reflect on what we have been taught.
On Holy Thursday two very real things happen as we begin the Triduum. For many who will attend Mass this evening we will recall the 'Last Supper'. An event in which Jesus institutes the Eucharist and gives us His example of Charity.
Above is a picture of Christ's Example. This artwork was given to me for my ordination to the Diaconate by Joanne and my children. It sits in my office and is a constant reminder of my call as a deacon, and to all of us as Christians. Here are a few excerpts from the Gospel of the day:
On Holy Thursday two very real things happen as we begin the Triduum. For many who will attend Mass this evening we will recall the 'Last Supper'. An event in which Jesus institutes the Eucharist and gives us His example of Charity.
Above is a picture of Christ's Example. This artwork was given to me for my ordination to the Diaconate by Joanne and my children. It sits in my office and is a constant reminder of my call as a deacon, and to all of us as Christians. Here are a few excerpts from the Gospel of the day:
It was before Passover, and Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and to return to the Father.
He had always loved his followers in this world, and he loved them to the very end.
2Even before the evening meal started, the devil had made Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, decide to betray Jesus. 3Jesus knew that he had come from God and would go back to God. He also knew that the Father had given him complete power.
2Even before the evening meal started, the devil had made Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, decide to betray Jesus. 3Jesus knew that he had come from God and would go back to God. He also knew that the Father had given him complete power.
4So during the meal Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5He put some water into a large bowl. Then he began washing his disciples' feet and drying them with the towel he was wearing.
6But when he came to Simon Peter, that disciple asked, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 7Jesus answered, "You don't really know what I am doing, but later you will understand." 8"You will never wash my feet!" Peter replied."If I don't wash you," Jesus told him, "you don't really belong to me." 9Peter said, "Lord, don't wash just my feet. Wash my hands and my head." 10Jesus answered, "People who have bathed and are clean all over need to wash just their feet. And you, my disciples, are clean, except for one of you." 11Jesus knew who would betray him. That is why he said, "except for one of you." 12After Jesus had washed his disciples' feet and had put his outer garment back on, he sat down again.
6But when he came to Simon Peter, that disciple asked, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 7Jesus answered, "You don't really know what I am doing, but later you will understand." 8"You will never wash my feet!" Peter replied."If I don't wash you," Jesus told him, "you don't really belong to me." 9Peter said, "Lord, don't wash just my feet. Wash my hands and my head." 10Jesus answered, "People who have bathed and are clean all over need to wash just their feet. And you, my disciples, are clean, except for one of you." 11Jesus knew who would betray him. That is why he said, "except for one of you." 12After Jesus had washed his disciples' feet and had put his outer garment back on, he sat down again.
Then he said:
Do you understand what I have done? 13You call me your teacher and Lord, and you should, because that is who I am. 14And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other.
15I have set the example, and you should do for each other exactly what I have done for you.
John 13
May we have the courage to accept the love God has for us.
