(Holy Thursday, April 2’15)
As soon as His grace, our Archbishop Richard Gagnon, came down upon one knee and tenderly took hold of the first parishioner’s foot for him to wash, a grace from God opened wide the eyes of my heart and stilled my soul. In that moment, an utter striking and gentle fire burned in my heart as the Holy Spirit allowed me to fully realize and recognize Love.
This is You, Jesus, this is You. How are You kneeling there in the most humble position before me, before each of us?
Our Lord… yes, Your love for us is beyond measure. At this very moment, You remind us how our ways are not Your ways. But, no, let us not get distracted or discouraged; let us simply look before us, here, You go before us.
May we know who goes before us.
You want to tenderly reveal how deeply You love us and came to be a servant of all.
You desire to take care of each of us and show compassion. You desire to humble Yourself above all else, yet You are God. You are our King, our Father, our Creator, our Author. But, You are God and You are Love.
You are Love and Mercy itself. And, You desire for Your children to know Your model of humility to trust in Your Mercy.
Our aim is loving You, Lord Jesus Christ, by trusting in You.
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“It is there that I will know You and You will know me – in the silence of the heart, You speak.” (Audrey Assad)
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“Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” . . .
After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?
You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am.
So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am.
So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.
Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them.
If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” (John 13: 8, 12-16 NRSVCE)