Catherine-Ann / Pure-Grace

Apr. 15, 2022

HOLY THURSDAY

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Lent has come to an end today, with Holy Thursday, beginning the Triduum, the three days of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection. The question was asked at Mass "Have you journeyed closer to Jesus after these 40 days, than you did before Lent began?" I would say "Yes!" So much to reflect on and so much to be grateful for, this year. I journeyed with St. Faustina through her diary as I often do, and absorbed so much more this time.

  The washing of the feet which is done at Mass today, is always a great reminder of the challenge to be humble. So hard it is, to allow others to do for me, when I cannot do for myself. Much easier for me to do the 'doing', than the receiving. This year has very much been a year to humble myself and surrender to the 'washing of my feet' so to speak, by others, as I was so disabled for much of the time. More help was offered than I accepted. Sometimes I just wasn’t able to directly receive what others wanted to give. I ask your forgiveness, if I hurt you by doing so. Larry was certainly my humble and generous servant through it all. And for the most part, that was the best way all around, for taking care of what was needed, as he was super alert and sensitive to the daily changes from the fall-out of the chemo & radiation. I never had to explain anything to him. He just knew, and took care of me!

   In a prison north of Rome today, Pope Frances spoke these words to inmates: "When Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, including the feet of Judas, who would betray him, it was a sign that God will wait patiently for everyone, and will forgive everything." Then, he washed the feet of 12 prisoners. At Luke 15 House, every Holy Thursday, the executive director crawls around the room on his knees, washing the feet of the residents. It is very powerful to witness the humility that comes over these men who have lived lives of addiction & crime. Many of them come from prison. An unusually quiet lunch follows, each time. For a few years, Nigel washed the feet and I dried them, while looking into the eyes of each man. It was a great privilege for me to serve in this way, to be accepted so graciously.

  After the "Last Supper", the institution of the Eucharist, Jesus & his disciples climbed the hill to the Garden of Gethsemeni, where he asked his disciples to stay awake while he prayed. This is the scripture I go to often, knowing that Jesus invites me to unite my suffering to his. Luke 22 "My soul is sorrowful, even unto death!" and "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done". Every, every, every day, I repeat "Your will be done!" it has brought me through the most difficult/emotionally painful times over the last year. When I pray for others who suffer with deep depression, anxiety and hopelessness, I unite them to Jesus in the Garden as well. At one time I did not have an understanding of what this means, but I treasure the beauty of its meaning for me now.

 I've facilitated hundreds of groups on scripture, and I seem to have fallen into that here. For those who aren't on the same faith journey as me, I hope I've painted a picture that is helpful for you to understand this part of my journey.

  I pray that if/when ever you need to be the one to 'have your feet washed', that you are able to receive it as graciously as those who allow you to serve them.