Homily for Holy Thursday: April 13, 2006

Given by the Most Reverend Stephen E. Blaire at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Stockton.

Each year when we celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper I find it remarkable that the Gospel proclamation does not recount the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper but rather presents Jesus washing the feet of His disciples.

Immediately we see Jesus’ action as an example for us. “”If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.” The mission of the church is service. “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Jesus’ action also signified his impending death. “…Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father.” And He said to Peter: “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” What He was doing was illustrating his passion and death which would cleanse from sin all those who would allow themselves to be so washed. “Unless I wash you,” he said to Peter, “you will have no inheritance with me.”

Worship and service cannot be separated. Pope Benedict in his encyclical “God is Love” states: “love for widows and orphans, prisoners, and the sick and needy of every kind is as essential to her (the church) as the ministry of the sacraments and preaching of the Gospel.” When the people are sent forth at the conclusion of the Mass they are sent to do the work of love and service in the world. Charity (love, service) is essentially linked to the Eucharist. We cannot love God Whom we do not see unless we love our neighbor whom we do see.

We enter into this Sacred Triduum in all sincerity of heart to worship God and to serve
God in love for others. The worship of God and the service of God cannot be separated.
We follow Christ and imitate Him in the worship of the Father and in love for one another.

Last Update February 28, 2007