You are Invited to Come and See!

If you have not been to a Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, now’s your chance!  

Earlier in the week I laid out what happens during Holy Week, but I did not include a very powerful ritual that we can witness during tonight’s Mass—the Washing of the Feet.

This is not something we do to get veryone cleaned up before Easter, at least not physically!  It is recalling what Jesus did to his disciples at the last supper.

So exactly what happens?

Well, several people (often 12 representing the apostles—men or women and sometimes children) are given the opportunity to come up before the congregation, where they slip off their sock and extend their foot to be washed by the priest over a basin of water.  This is typically pre-arranged, so if you come, don’t be afraid that you will be put on the spot.  And if it is not pre-arranged and you have the opportunity, take it!

Jesus, who is 100% God and 100% human, modeled for those who would follow him, the importance of service.  A priest’s essential role is one where the servant model of leadership is embraced.

By washing another’s feet, the virtue of humility is front and center, and any semblance of pride or position is erased.  Jesus, the Master, bent down and washed the feet of those who followed him.

This ritual cleansing sets the stage for the expected behavior of all disciples.  Our faith is not about us, or who we are, or our position, but it is about doing what we can for others. It is about loving others. There is simply no place in the kingdom for those who want to be extolled for their own self-aggrandizement and this action by Jesus makes that very clear.

As he is preparing to be sent to his death, he washes the feet of the disciples and shares his last supper with them.  This is what we do on this Holy Thursday evening as we prepare for what is to come tomorrow on Good Friday—his death on the cross.

On Good Friday, a large wooden cross/crucifix is displayed for us to touch (or kiss) for veneration.  Good Friday, like Holy Thursday, is a very moving opportunity for us to participate and enter into the Passion of Jesus as we hear scripture proclaimed recalling what he went through.  It is a very solemn day where most unessential activity is set aside.

For some reason, it can be easy to overlook Holy Thursday and Good Friday with our sites set on Easter, but they are not to be missed.  Every year, those who are entering the Church in the sacraments at the Easter Vigil are encouraged to set aside this time.  They spend a lot of hours both in church, and in private, preparing for reception of the sacraments.

If you are Catholic and have not attended Holy Thursday or Good Friday, I highly recommend you come and see what is happening.  If you are not Catholic, there is much for you as well.  These rituals speak volumes, and an open heart and mind paves the way for God to reach us.

There is a lot more that I haven’t described here today, but for now, I would say, just come and see for yourself!  As always, bring a friend or family member, too!  

Sometimes all it takes is an invitation to be extended.

So, consider yourself invited as well!

Janet Cassidy

Janetcassidy.com

Janetcassidy.blubrry.net