“Having Loved His own …He loved them to the end” (Jn 13:1-15.)
Jesus knew that it was His time to enter into His Passion and in His love for His apostles Jesus wanted to spend this memorial feast of the Passover with them. He wanted to bequeath to His apostles one last gift and proof of His Merciful Love. This Heart that was pierced for our sins and the sins of all bestowed upon us the gift of His Body and Blood in the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist.
When I meditate on this great Sacrament I am awed that Jesus “The Word Who Became Flesh,” and dwelt in Mary’s womb for nine months offers Himself daily in the Holy Eucharist to all mankind. I am more than awed; I am brought to tears — tears of joy and tears of sorrow.
Jesus how great is Your Love for sinners? How Merciful are you to those who cry out in Mercy? “What shall I render to the Lord, for all the things that He hath rendered to me?” Psalm 116:12-13.
“I give you a new commandment, says the Lord: Love one another as I have loved you.” (Jn 13:34)
In the Gospel of Holy Thursday, Jesus shows us how we are to love. We are called to serve each other as Jesus serves. He demonstrates this by laying aside His garments. What can we lay aside for each other? Jesus then ties a towel around His waist and pours water into a basin and begins to wash the disciple’s feet. How far are we willing to go to humble ourselves? How much “stuff” are we willing to part with so those in need may benefit? We must forgive and be forgiven. By Jesus cleansing the feet of His disciples, he is showing us that true love humbles itself, denies itself, and gives all to the point of suffering.
A soul in love will go to confession and seek forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance. In the sacrament of penance Jesus cleanses our souls with the Blood and Water that poured from His pierced side on the Cross. Go to confession as often as you can! Go at least once a month. Not only are your sins cleansed, you will also receive graces to overcome the sins that are so difficult to overcome.
We must imitate this love in all the big and small events Jesus presents to us on a daily basis. If this is hard let us look to the cross ask and Jesus to stir up love in our hearts. Receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist as often as you can. It is in receiving Him worthily that our hearts will become inflamed with His love and become capable of true love.
Tami Schuelke is a homeschooling mother of 7 children. She is a catechist at her local parish as well as leader of the Bible & Women of Grace Study Programs.
