Holy Thursday 2023

 
 
Memory plays a significant part in religious and civil ceremonies. It helps to strengthen faith and patriotism. We remember in order to confirm who we are and the values we adhere to. Today Christians remember a significant event in Jewish history as the context within which to remember the last meal Jesus had with his close companions, his apostles. By remembering the escape from Egypt, we recall that, whether by blood or faith, we are descended from slaves. So this meal has to do with choosing freedom. Jesus also turns this meal into a celebration of communion. We are one in the body and blood of Christ. In John’s gospel, the memorial meal of escape from slavery and entry into deep communion opens up a new way of being truly human. This takes us beyond our Judaeo-Christian traditions in a way whereby we challenge the world and all of history to live out the meaning and the practice of the washing of feet. This is why in 2013 Pope Francis chose to celebrate this great feast in a prison where he washed the feet of juvenile offenders who included two girls, one a Catholic and the other a Muslim. What a wonderful way to communicate the true significance of what Jesus did on the night before he died. To wash one another’s feet is to be at the service of all humanity regardless of racial or religious identity, age or gender. May you enjoy a meaningful Holy Thursday.
 
Tom Rouse
 

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