We have reached the Sacred Triduum. Today we commemorate Maundy Thursday. O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of man, you did not come to be served, but to serve. Give us the grace to lay aside all our vanity, clothe us with your power, and crown us with your humility, that finally, in the glory of serving, we may stand beside your throne, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you reign, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Gospel: (John 13: 1-15)

Let us ponder on some of the highlights of today’s Gospel 1. Jesus washes Judas’ feet. Knowing that Judas is shortly going to betray him, Jesus still washes his feet. After that, is there anyone whom I can justifiably not love, or serve? 2. Jesus is facing his 'hour'. He has no illusions about what lies ahead, of what would be involved in 'departing from this world'. But all his thought is for his disciples; he wants to give them an example of how they should live - in loving service. 3. Jesus tells his disciples that, unless he washes them, they can have no part or fellowship with him. Such fellowship is brought about in the Eucharist. His cleansing of them is done, so that they can be fully united with him. It is the start of something greater. 4. Jesus knows who he is - where he has come from, where he is going. He is teaching his disciples that their true identity is to be servants of one another in his image. 5. Maundy Thursday is also a day of births. The Church, Eucharist, and consecrated priesthood began on this day.

Life Lessons from these highlights: 1. Peter valued his independence; stoutly rejecting Jesus’ ‘unnecessary’ act of humble service. Help me, Lord, graciously to allow myself to be served and to recognize you in those who care for me. 2. Jesus loved his own 'to the end', without limits. Where do I place limits on my love of others? 3. Jesus says, ‘Later you will understand.’ Sometimes that's not enough for me! I want to understand now. Help me, Jesus, to live as you did even when I don’t fully comprehend what you are asking of me. 4. Jesus’ instruction - to do to others what he does to us - was not intended to stop at the Church door. How can I bear witness to a servant God in my life today? 5. Jesus is both Teacher and Lord, and should be regarded as such. But he is also a humble servant. His disciples need to be the same, wise and ever assisting.

Let us conclude with the Love prayer by St. John Maria Vianney. I love You, O my God, and my only desire is to love You until the last breath of my life. I love You, O my infinitely lovable God, and I would rather die loving You, than live without loving You. I love You, Lord and the only grace I ask is to love You eternally. My God, if my tongue cannot say in every moment that I love You, I want my heart to repeat it to You as often as I draw breath.