Eucharistic Readings for Maundy Thursday: All Years
Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14; Psalm 116:1, 10-17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: John 13:1-17, 31b-35
“For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” (John 13: 15 to 17)
Our Lord Jesus has just gotten down from the table of breaking bread and washed the feet of his followers. They were shocked and bewildered. Peter even refused, at first, to allow Jesus to wash his feet. But after an explanation, he consented. This baptizing of the feet reminds me of the importance of our feet as understood from the Prophet Isaiah where he says, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns;” (Isaiah 52:7). Jesus has just made their feet beautiful in order for them to carry the Gospel out into the world.
We too should keep this tradition of humble access and servant ministry in order that we have the foundational feet necessary to bring Good News to all whom we meet.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, Most Holy Lord Jesus, in the hardest of your earthly time you set us an example of how to be steadfast servants on our journey with you as our guide. Help us to not forget that we are not greater than you who sets the example of humble compassion, wherein we serve others and also allow others to serve us. It is in your Holy Name we pray this: Amen.
Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
onewhoponders 