A night reflection for Maundy Thursday
If I were arrested and held this night, what would I be found guilty of?
A bowl of water, cloth and sandals ready for the washing of the feet.
“If I, then, the Lord and Master have washed your feet, you should wash each other’s feet.”
Jesus sits down to eat with his friends, despite knowing that one among them will betray him. While at dinner, he performs an act of loving service, washing the disciples’ feet. He shows them the example of how he wants them to behave to others – being humble, putting themselves in a place to serve others – no matter what their status is in society.
Jesus’ example teaches us that serving others is not demeaning. It does not lessen our own dignity, even as it allows us to recognise the dignity of those we are serving.
Likewise, as we learn from the apostle Peter, there are times when we need to accept these gestures of love and care from others. We cannot do everything by ourselves. Let us try therefore to open ourselves to Christ’s love and the love of those who are around us.
And let us look out for those who need our help. Let us put ourselves at the service of one another, especially those who are looked down upon, excluded or marginalised in our society.
Prayer
Humble God, wash away our pride and lead us to serve one another as your Son has taught us. May we always be willing to uphold the dignity of others, especially those who are overlooked or ignored in our world. Amen.
Act
Spend some time in quiet contemplation with our night reflection for Holy Thursday.