HOMILY: Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper
John 13:1-15
28 March 2024
Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez
When I was studying Theology in Boston, I used to spend my Saturday mornings with my good friend, Steve, who is now Fr. Steve (not Zabala though). Aside from our usual favourites, we would go around Boston trying out different breakfast places. I remember Steve to be a good tipper. Aside from the expected 20% standard tip in the US, he would leave the server/waiter a bigger amount. Curious I asked him why he did so each time. He told me that his family used to own a restaurant which had to be sold when he entered the seminary. Managing their own restaurant, he learned how to appreciate the work done by these service providers. He knew that waiting tables is a gruelling work. They are on their feet all day and are expected to multitask and bust tail to keep up with customer demands, which is near impossible during peak dining hours — not to mention that they must do all these tasks with a smile on their faces.
We celebrate this Maundy Thursday in appreciation for what God has done for us in Jesus. In John’s Gospel, we are told that Jesus “loved his own . . . and he loved them to the end” (John 13:1). This line is followed by Jesus’ tender act of humbly washing the feet of His disciples. He gets up from the table, takes off his outer garments, ties a towel around His waist and begins to wash the feet of His friends. The act of kneeling in front of someone to wash that person’s feet is the act of a lowly servant. Jesus was their Lord and Master and it was unbecoming for Him to get down on His knees and wash their feet like a servant. In fact, Peter refused to have Jesus wash his feet. Remember? This was a pivotal moment in Christ’s life with His disciples; this was a moment He wanted His friends to remember for always. By highlighting the foot washing incident, John points to something vital — Jesus’ sacrificial love on the cross, where He pours Himself out in love “to the end,” that is, to the fullest extent. Jesus allowed this to happen in order to reveal His and the Father’s love for us, the wondrous love that brings about fullness of life for all believers. After washing the feet of His disciples Jesus asked them, “Do you realise what I have done for you?” (John 13:12). In saying this, He was inviting disciples to enter into the mystery of total love and self-giving. His disciples are called to do the same. As He washed their feet, so must they do the same for others.
Another special moment we commemorate today is the Institution of the Eucharist which happened at the Last Supper. In giving us the Eucharist, Jesus is giving us His very own Body and Blood. He gives us His total self, holding nothing back. This is what we find in the Second Reading narrated by St. Paul of the first Eucharistic meal: Jesus takes bread in His hands and tells His disciples, “This is my body”; and then, with the cup of wine, “This is my blood.” He shares Himself. He does not say that it is a “symbol” or a “representation” of Him. He says THIS IS ME. I GIVE MYSELF TO YOU. He gave Himself, Body and Blood, for us on the cross. This is an ultimate act of self-giving, which is more than just mere “sharing” but rather a giving that springs from a tremendous act of love. In the same way that He gave His own flesh and blood, His disciples are invited to do the same for others. As He loved His own to the end, so must they give their lives in love to those entrusted to their care. All His disciples are called to offer themselves for God’s people.
Can we give of ourselves completely to the Church? More often we hear people choose to give only up until it is convenient for them. When we realise what God has done for us in Christ, are we not ashamed at our lack of generosity in God’s service? “Bakit ba ako mag-serve sa simbahan?” (“Why should I serve in the church?”) “Tama na na nagsisimba ako.” (“It is enough that I go to church.”) I have more important things to do than to merely serve there.” There are those who render service but are quick to quit when they do not stand to get the credit or if they don’t like their fellow servers or the people in their respective organizations. In two (2) months, my dear brothers and sisters we will have a new Parish Administrator here is San Roque. Everyone will surely have to make necessary adjustments. Thus, let us urge each other to continue supporting this parish and to continue giving our efforts, our talents to serve the Lord. It is important that each and everyone lends a hand to help the new priest grow accustomed to the parish, settle and start serving the community.
We can expect that when we give of ourselves, it will not be easy. We cannot truly say we have given of ourselves until it hurts because the truth is, when we love, it can be painful! We are broken so that others may benefit, thrive and be built up. In the ancient practices of taking oaths, they did not take this lightly because it involves the spilling of blood. God’s covenant with His people is ratified in the self-offering of Christ on the cross. As we follow Jesus, we are asked to bear the crosses we receive in life. Parents who have dealt with wayward children or leaders who have dealt with “pasaway” (troublesome) members know this. Many times, I have heard a parent say “Dugo at pawis yan, Father.” (“It is sweat and blood, Father.”) when speaking of their relentless efforts to guide their wayward child. It is not easy, because it is a test of our patience and our trust in God’s providence. It is not easy because it hurts to see a loved one choosing a path that is self-destructive. However, we are invited to imitate Christ to persevere — to keep giving of ourselves for the sake of another, especially for love.
This Holy Thursday, let us continue to reflect on how God loves us. The appreciation of what Christ has done for us should lead us to willingly, gladly and faithfully serve the Lord every moment of our lives. In closing, I too would like to thank you for your support of San Roque and my ministry in our parish. I did my best to serve all of you whom the Lord has entrusted to me. Our journey together is coming to a close, but I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Please do the same for me. San Roque will always have a special place in my heart!
Sunday Gospel Reflections 