Do as I do

April 05, 2012

HOLY THURSDAY

Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper

Ex 12,1-8.11-14 . 1Cor 11,23-26

Jn 13,1-15

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We are always asked to do what is said of us. In a classroom setup, the teacher demonstrates something in front of the students. She discussed certain words and asked her students to repeat them. At first, she felt troubled at how the kids respond to her command, but through practice they had gradually mastered the pronunciation of words. Later on, during the oral exam, almost all students got a passing mark, and the teacher was well-pleased.

On the first day of the Paschal Triduum, Jesus is presented as somebody who leaves an example for his apostles to follow. During the Passover meal, Jesus takes his outer garments off, took some water and basin, and washed his disciples feet. This may be a new scene for the disciples, yet Jesus took the opportunity to set yet another striking example of humble service to his followers. For Jesus, to become a leader, you must be the servant of all. As you lead, you do not boast your achievements; rather you keep your humble self at all times.

Jesus said, If I do not wash your feet, you will never have an inheritance of me. 

We see the hesitant image of Peter who doesn't wish his feet to be washed, yet consented to his Master's desire. For somebody whose life is full of himself as the leader of the pack, being served by his Master at the lowest point is somebody else. But only Divine Grace made him able to understand what Jesus wanted to teach him, and this made him convert from the three denials at the Temple Court to the thrice expressions of love by the Sea. This made him brave as he led the Church and face his cruel death at Rome. This made him revered as the Rock in which the Church is set.

As they were eating, He took bread and said, Take this, all of you and eat of it, for THIS IS MY BODY WHICH WILL BE GIVEN FOR YOU. 

Jesus washed his disciples' feet on the same night that he instituted the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. As he gives his Body and Blood for us to consume, Jesus reminds us that we should live as humble as possible through a holy and truly Christian life. His Body is consumed as our spirit's strength to overcome the numerous temptations, and to become a real image of Christ to everyone around us.

Jesus said, I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should do also. 

This is very far from the servants we know of today, who are full of themselves and desire of nothing but money, power and death to their enemies. The definition of a servant-leader becomes blurred once love of self enters the soul of the person. We have seen many politicians who were self-proclaimed as mabait, matulungin sa kapwa, may paninindigan, but in reality, they do not wish the good of their constituents but desires things which could give them benefits.

If Jesus wants servants who are willing to serve wholeheartedly, then why don't we follow him? Through the washing of the feet, he says implicitly the expected traits of a leader, somebody who is still willing to give up his pride and give in to his neighbor's needs. He challenges us through his death to show our love to all, not only a few or some. He invites us to die of ourselves and provide more for others. And to the person who does this, the reward is so great that man can never estimate it.

We can be more worthy of the Eucharist we celebrate if we are able to serve others wholeheartedly. We are gathered every Sunday to praise the Lord and take part in his sacred banquet, though our hearts and minds are full of dirt and grime of sin. At the end of the Mass, we are called to go in peace and proclaim the Gospel with our own lives. Many of us neglect this message, as they return to their old way of life after the Mass. What a waste of time and effort for these people.

Wala na ngang mas sasarap pa sa pagdiriwang ng Eukaristiya, lalo na kung pagkatapos nito ay isinasabuhay natin ang ating naririnig at nakikita. As we are blessed, we are called to become a blessing to other people in word and deed. We become strengthened by his Body and Blood, so we should become the strength of other people. We are served with the Heavenly Bread of Life, so we should also become like bread for others to partake in, willing to offer our lives for the sake of the Good News.

The Lord leaves us an example; we are challenged to do as he does. As we have a date with the Lord in the Altar of Repose tonight, let us ask him for continued grace to do as he did for us. Let us indeed ask him to stay with us throughout life's journey, that we may always serve our needy brethren rather than be served to our own luxury. Let us console him, so that we in turn may be consoled in times of trouble. Let us ask his grace to open up ourselves for the welfare of all, for only in his guidance we achieve our ultimate goal: to have an inheritance of Christ.

BLESSED BE GOD 

IN THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT!!!