Apr
09
2020
By Anonymous (not verified)
Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet ... . - Jn 13:5
On Maundy Thursday (Maundy coming from the Latin word mandatum, "command"), Jesus gives His disciples a new commandment: "As I have loved you, so you also should love one another" (Jn 13:34). Jesus knows His time is near, and He will give His disciples a memorable demonstration of what His new commandment means.
Why would the act of washing feet be so startling? The task was considered so demeaning that it could not be required of a Jew, even the lowliest Jewish slave.
Jesus had given His disciples other lessons in true greatness. Look back at the Gospel reading from March 11. He told them, "[W]hoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave" (Mt 20:26-27). However, Jesus tells them they won't understand this example now. It is a precursor to the Crucifixion.
Jesus' stooping down from glory is how we were saved. If the Glorious King of the Universe gives us the example of stooping to serve and save mankind, how much should we stoop in service of the least among us? Indeed, there's less distance between us and our fellow man than between the Infinite Lord and His creatures.
Prayer: Lord, Your humility and mercy are beyond my understanding. Help me to live in imitation of You.
See all meditations to date
On Maundy Thursday (Maundy coming from the Latin word mandatum, "command"), Jesus gives His disciples a new commandment: "As I have loved you, so you also should love one another" (Jn 13:34). Jesus knows His time is near, and He will give His disciples a memorable demonstration of what His new commandment means.
Why would the act of washing feet be so startling? The task was considered so demeaning that it could not be required of a Jew, even the lowliest Jewish slave.
Jesus had given His disciples other lessons in true greatness. Look back at the Gospel reading from March 11. He told them, "[W]hoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave" (Mt 20:26-27). However, Jesus tells them they won't understand this example now. It is a precursor to the Crucifixion.
Jesus' stooping down from glory is how we were saved. If the Glorious King of the Universe gives us the example of stooping to serve and save mankind, how much should we stoop in service of the least among us? Indeed, there's less distance between us and our fellow man than between the Infinite Lord and His creatures.
Prayer: Lord, Your humility and mercy are beyond my understanding. Help me to live in imitation of You.
See all meditations to date
lamdvd
