Jesus, on the night he was handed
over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, “This is
my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” – 1 Corinthians 11:23-24
“If I, therefore, the master and
teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have
given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also
do.” – JN 13:14-15
The Last Supper is a feast of
companionship and summarizes the life of Jesus, a call to lay down one’s life
for others. At the time of surrendering his life, Jesus washes the feet of his
friends and shows us through action how to live and give life. He models an
expression of sacredness that could be found in the ordinary acts we do and in
the care we put into our daily activities, loved ones, and community. We are
invited to emulate Jesus by living in love and service to others.
Today, Jesus calls us to apply
ourselves in directions with no accurate measurement by loving freely and
deeply. He reminds us that love is the best thing we have to give and the most
valuable thing we can receive. Without it, life has little meaning. He
encourages us to a whole way of living that radiates more charity than
self-centeredness, more joy than sorrow, more peace than disharmony, and more
willingness to sacrifice than the natural sway of our emotions. It gives the
fabric of our life unique character and more teeth. By walking towards a place
of deeper intimacy, communion, and belonging to each other, we live out what it
means to be chosen, blessed, broken, and given.
Reflecting upon my relationships,
the ones who have nurtured my growth are those who are willing to share his or
her life with me. In these moments, I come to greater realization that our
brokenness has the capacity to lead us into a more meaningful and deeper way of
sharing our lives and offering hope to one another. We cultivate a true
community of love when we offer our time, patience, compassion, forgiveness,
friendship, and trust to each other. In doing so, we become bread and
nourishment for each other as well as the world.
Who do I feel called to extend my
love and care towards today?
What could foot washing look like in
my everyday life?
Reflected by Tam Lontok
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