Holy Thursday

John 13: 1- 15

...having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end

I find myself deeply moved by the words, "he loved them to the end". It is such a succinct yet awesome description of the love that was behind all of Jesus' 'words, works and wonders' throughout his ministry. His love indeed shows us the 'human face of God', whereby we learn to relate to this God who is no longer just 'out there' but also very close to us. As I take these words to heart or personally, that indeed....he loves me this much, I can sense a deep gratitude forming within. Not that this is a new thing....but it is easy in the active Christian life, to begin to act autonomously, even though with good intentions.

It would be truly different if all my 'works' were to flow from a deep gratitude and love for my Lord and God who "loved me to the end".

The foot washing was such a gracious and humble act. I have wondered how I would have felt if I were present there. I certainly would have felt a little uncomfortable like Peter......unworthy to receive such a gift from my Lord. But it was necessary as Jesus told Peter. It is necessary that all of us learn to receive true grace from our Lord, even and especially in the midst of our weaknesses and failures. Such grace is not given to those who are 'well' but to those who know they need it. Yes, truly, as I recall my life, those times that have stood out were times when I least expected and yet God's grace broke through.....however unworthy I knew myself to be.

I watched "Gospel of John" today, especially focusing on the scenes from the Last Supper onwards. One scene moved me. Jesus was praying for his disciples by laying his hand upon their heads as they knelt before him. He showed such tender care for his loved ones, even as he was about to face his 'hour'. Yes, this is the Lord who came to the human race, who walked our earth and who died for us. This is the God who calls us "friends", a relationship that we will spend out whole lives trying to appreciate fully. We are "servants" and "disciples" but we are also "friends". How can this be? Only Christ our Lord can show us, as we humbly walk the path that he will lead us.