John 13:1–15
REFLECT
On Holy Thursday 1983, Pope St. John Paul II stooped to wash the feet of twelve homeless boys gathered in the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Residents of a boys’ home in Rome, the boys originally came from all over the world: four Italians, one Swiss, one Briton, one Canadian, one Filipino, one Australian, one Ethiopian, and two Eritreans. It was a powerful sign. At the Mass the pope preached, “Love is born from service of the Redemption, which causes men to become willing to serve each other; makes them brothers, sensitive to one another’s needs.” The mystery of the Eucharist and the mystery of Redemption is inextricably bound up in laying down our lives in love. On this sacred night may we conform more closely to Christ’s example.
PRAY
Lord Jesus, as I keep watch with you tonight, I ask you to strengthen, renew, and console your Church. Drive out the spirit of the enemy which threatens division and strife. Amen.
LIVE
Write a letter of encouragement to a priest in your life. Share with him ways that you see God’s grace at work through him.