Maundy Thursday

Today we remember the two great gifts that Jesus left for the Church; The Holy Eucharist and Servant hood. Most of the Church participates in the The Holy Eucharist on a regular basis, but the symbol of Servant hood, the foot washing, is not done by many. Why is that? I grew up in a church that didn't do either. We did have communion once in a while, to remember what Jesus had said for us to do; but it had really no meaning as I recall growing up. It was only after I joined the Episcopal Church that I saw the value and strength of the Eucharist or Holy Communion. And then, it was while I was in seminary that I caught the value of the Foot Washing service.

Jesus left for us different tangible events that would sustain us through our life with Him. As we partake of the bread and wine, we receive Him and what He stands for. The bread, His Body; the Church. We commit anew to the Church and to Her mission throughout the world. We take our place in the Body of the Church to be faithful witnesses to Him who gave His life in order that we might have life eternally with the Father. The wine, His Blood; the Spirit. We live a life directed and guided by the Holy Spirit. The things we do, we do in the Spirit of Jesus. Take this in remembrance of Me. We take communion to be more like Jesus, to be transformed into His likeness and image.

Jesus gave the disciples an example of servant hood in the washing of their feet........all of them....even Judas!! And He told them, as He tells us, "I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you." For me, it's much easier to receive the Bread and Wine, than it is to Wash Feet! We can make up all kind of excuses why we don't have to literally wash feet........it is just to remind us that we are to be servants for Jesus and to Jesus through those that are around us. It is so easy to forget the intent of the action and begin to just do our own thing. Lord have mercy on me, a sinner!

I pray that all who reads this today will have a most Blessed Maundy Thursday.

Fr. Joe