Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Jn 13: 16-20
May 4, 2023 | Thursday
Truly, I say to you, the servant is not greater than his master, nor is the messenger greater than he who sent him. Understand this, and blessed are you, if you put it into practice.
I am not speaking of you all, because I know the ones I have chosen, and the Scripture has to be fulfilled which says: The one who shares my table will rise up against me. I tell you this now before it happens, so that when it does happen, you may know that I am He. Truly, I say to you, whoever welcomes the one I send, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes the One who sent me.”
Today’s Reflection:
In today’s reading, Jesus wants His disciples to continue His ministry. He desires that they serve one another, even if it means washing each other’s dirty, dusty feet. They are to do what Jesus has done. Jesus taught them, served them, and loved them deeply! Now the disciples are to love, serve, teach, and wash the other’s feet! Their call is to continue Jesus’ ministry. Jesus clearly emphasizes the importance of serving others—to love each person they meet, even if they do not particularly like that individual. They are to love and serve everyone, just as Jesus did. No one is to be excluded from their service and their love.
What a challenge this is for us. It can be very tempting to pick and choose the people we want to help or serve. The reality is we naturally feel more comfortable with our friends and people we like. However, if we truly desire to follow Jesus, we also need to reach out to every individual who needs care, attention, patience, and support. When we care for others, in a sense we may be “washing their feet.” Jesus does not want us to exclude anyone. What a challenge that can be! /Vulnerasti, 2023
