To aid you in your prayer on this holy day, Saint Andrew is pleased to share with you this Flocknote. Remember that you can stream the Mass of the Lord’s Supper celebrated tonight by Cardinal Cupich from the link below. We encourage you to take the time to listen to the message prepared by Fr. Sergio below and to do your own foot washing using the instructions provided in this Flocknote. May your personal celebration of Holy Thursday bring you consolation and peace in this time of distress.
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper will live stream starting at 5:00pm on Thursday, April 9, 2020. Click on the button below to view the Mass.
Before Jesus and the disciples shared the traditional Passover meal, Jesus washed their feet. This was an incredible act of service, since washing a person’s feet was the responsibility of the lowest servant in the house. Jesus modeled the kind of leadership he expected from his disciples. “As I have done for you, you should also do.” (John 13:15)
We can model this same kind of selflessness in our own homes, washing and being washed by those we live with. Although this may feel awkward, remember that the disciples were not comfortable with the process, either. It takes an act of humility to allow someone else to serve you. Read on for a reflection and activity to do in your own home. Included are alternatives for young families, as well as those who live alone.
You will need:
- A chair
- Warm water in a large bowl
- Hand towels or a bath towel
Reading
JOHN 13:1-15
Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over.
So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now,
but you will understand later.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.” Jesus said to him, “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all.” For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. 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.”
Washing the Feet
You may decide to start with the oldest or youngest person in the household seated in the chair. Have each person wash another person’s feet.
Foot washing is a symbolic activity, so you will not need to use much water. At the same time, perform the action with as much loving care as Jesus surely took with his disciples.
Afterward, take time to reflect as a group on how it felt wash each other’s feet. You might also take this opportunity to express thanks and pledge to support each other.
For Young Families
Families with very small children may not be able to take the time for a ceremonial foot washing.
Instead, explain what Jesus did while you give your little one a bath. Make a comparison between the way Jesus loved his disciples and the way you love your children. Ask them to describe the ways they can help in the family, even if it is by simply showing kindness.
