He Loved Them to The End

They watched him, with eyes full of wonder, as he rose from the table, removed his outer garment and tied a towel around his waist.

What was he doing, was the question going through their minds.

He filled the earthen basin with water, knelt down before them, and like a lowly servant, began to wash the feet of his disciples. One by one he washed them, tenderly drying their feet with his towel.

The sound of silence filled the room as each one present watched this humble act of love and they were instantly aware of their own unworthiness as he bent  low before them.

But only Simon Peter protests, “Master, you will never wash my feet!

….”Unless I wash your feet”, he replies, “You will have no inheritance with me.”

Peter surrenders himself completely, his hands and his head as well.

Cleansed now by the Master, they are being prepared for what would lie ahead.
 

Each of us, from the day of our own baptism, has been prepared to participate in the dying and rising of Christ. We have all been called to die to ourselves, to surrender our obstinacy and to serve him by serving each other according to his teachings and example.

As we enter in to this last week of lent, may we all pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit  for ourselves, for our families, for our country and especially for all that will be joining our Catholic family as we celebrate The Great Vigil of Easter.

"Dear children! In this time, I call you
all to pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit upon every baptized
creature, so that the Holy Spirit may renew you all and lead you
on the way of witnessing your faith – you and all those who are
far from God and His love. I am with you and intercede for you
before the Most High. Thank you for having responded to my call." 

BVM, Medjugorje, May 25, 2009

“ He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.” John 13:1

Come as a Servant

The spirit of gratitude was upon you

For He had cured you of your many infirmities.

Magdalene, Joanna, Chuza and Susana,

In a time when it was uncommon for women to be in ministry,

Your faith and strength led you from your homes in Galilee. 

You gathered together your belongings

And in joyful service set out with Him and the Twelve

As He journeyed from town to town…….. 

Day by day you were with Him as He preached the good news of the God’s kingdom.

Your spirits danced within His presence as His love and mercy showed no bounds.

You understood when He said that He had come to serve and not be served,

And you vowed to follow in His footsteps.

Oh holy women of Galilee, pray for us that yearn to follow Him today,

That we too, may have the grace to come as a servant.

(Adapted from Luke 8 1:3 and Mark 10:32-45)