Thursday April 1, 2021 - Holy Thursday - I give you a new commandment, says the Lord: "Love one another as I have loved you" - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 13, 1-15

Dear Christians! The Gospel presented to us here shows what happened at the last meal of Jesus with his disciples, as we have already mentioned, it was a fraternal meal. We are now entering the Paschal Triduum. It is in this Gospel that Jesus shows us true love and gives us this new commandment: to love one another. Jewish tradition requires that you wash your hands before going to the table. Jesus did not abolish this practice, but rather accomplished it by washing the feet of the disciples, as seen here. He himself washes the feet of the disciples, like a servant, and asks them to do it among themselves. Besides the expression of humility and service to others, washing the feet of the disciples is the pledge of the deep love that Jesus has for them.

Thus, two great lessons can be learned from this sacred reading, namely, the manifestation of faith through service and the second, that the Church is to be built on love. Jesus is Lord and Master. He sets a living example before teaching; He washes the feet of the apostles, then teaches love, service to one another. He said: "Love one another as I have loved you" (Jn 13, 34). Jesus expects us to serve one another in true love. He asks us to help each other. In today's world, it is still difficult for us to do this. We love and strive for the ranks of glory, and to be served in the many spheres in which we operate, so much so that we forget the existence of others. When will we set an example, as Christ did, in the service of others? And if we ever do so, it is in order to be seen and applauded or to obtain privileges. However, the service Jesus requires of us cannot be accomplished without humility, and the Eucharist we celebrate does not permeate our lives unless we strive to love and serve one another.

The Church always calls us to live this commandment of love, so let us lavish true love as Christ did.

Oh God ! You have given us love for free, so help us to show it, as Christ taught us, so that we can help and love one another. Amen!