Thursday, April 17th

Scripture

Ex 12: 1-8, 11-14
Ps 116: 12-13, 15-18
1 Cor 11: 23-26
John 13: 1-15

Reflection

“Jesus knew…that he had come from God and would be returning to God. He answered, ‘ I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.’” John 13: 3,15

Our mission as Sisters of St. Joseph is twofold: our life in community and our life in ministry. As a Sister, fully living this mission means manifesting God’s Unifying Love on both counts.

Holy Thursday teaches two lessons that capture my heart. First, Jesus shared a meal with his friends, using this meal to establish a timeless act of remembrance. He knew that profound community moments transcend differences and unite us through common bonding. We can ritualize our covenantal relationship with God through Holy Communion as well as the ways a meal together nourishes one another. “Love one another,” Jesus says. “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” The Last Supper was a lesson about Love.

A second lesson from Holy Thursday was modeling servant leadership by washing his disciples’ feet. Jesus got up from the table (call to action), purposely placing himself in the role of a servant. “Do you know what I have done for you? I gave you an example that you also should do as I did.” Jesus’ actions bring his words to life and we will never be the same. This was a lesson about humility.

Without Love, Service is meaningless. Without Service, Love is an ego trip. May each of us find the blessings we need as we walk these final days with Jesus.

Prayer

Jesus, open my heart to receive these lessons of Humility and
Love. Then give me the willingness to live my life as your loving,
humble servant in every way I can.

Personal Challenge

How am I showing up in my life in ways that manifest the Love and
Humility Jesus calls for tonight?

Sister Judith Minear
Cleveland, OH