He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.
John 13:1
Reflection
Today is Holy Thursday. We celebrate the institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper. Jesus not only gives us himself in the forms of bread and wine, which become his Body and Blood, but he also washes the feet of his disciples as a model to follow and institutes the priesthood.
As we enter into this most holy Triduum, we can reflect on these beautiful words: “He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.” Jesus was fully aware of what was to come, and despite the betrayal, torture, and death he would soon experience, he loved all of those closest to him. Jesus still loves each of us unconditionally, despite the sins we commit against him. Even as we wound Christ daily, he loves us and paid for our sins with his own life.
How can we be more loving towards others, those close to us and those we may not like? How can we imitate Christ in his perfect love and obedience to the Father, especially when it causes us to die to ourselves? Let the mystery of Holy Thursday envelope you and draw you near to Christ as he awaits his Passion.
Saint of the Day
St. Francis of Paola: 1416 – 1507
| “Death is certain, and life is short and vanishes like smoke. Therefore you must fix your minds on the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ who so burned with love for us that he came down from heaven to redeem us. For our sakes he suffered all the agonies of body and mind, and did not shrink from any torment. He gave us a perfect example of patience and love. For our part, we too must be patient when things go against us.” St. Francis of Paola |
The Healing Word 