Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 13, 1-15

Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come
to pass from this world to the Father.
He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.
The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over.
So, during supper,
fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power
and that he had come from God and was returning to God,
he rose from supper and took off his outer garments.
He took a towel and tied it around his waist.
Then he poured water into a basin
and began to wash the disciples’ feet
and dry them with the towel around his waist.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him,
“Master, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“What I am doing, you do not understand now,
but you will understand later.”
Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered him,
“Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.”
Simon Peter said to him,
“Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.”
Jesus said to him,
“Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed,
            for he is clean all over;
so you are clean, but not all.”
For he knew who would betray him;
for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

So when he had washed their feet
and put his garments back on and reclined at table again,
he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you?
You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’  and rightly so, for indeed I am.
If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet,
you ought to wash one another’s feet.
I have given you a model to follow,
so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

Holy Thursday

1. Love. Today, Jesus gives us a new commandment: to love one another. This is the defining mark of a Christian—to continue growing in love for others. True love means accepting others, but it also requires courage and, above all, honesty. That’s why the Gospel shows us Jesus loving his own to the very end, even when they don’t fully understand or accept him. You might also experience times when people don’t accept you as you are, yet you choose to love them anyway. Even if others make things difficult, your love can rise above the challenge. This is the love you are called to live out today and always: a love that gives everything freely, expecting nothing in return. It is the virtue that sets us apart as followers of Christ.

2. Service. Not everyone who serves truly loves, but anyone who loves will naturally serve. Service flows out of genuine love and serving others encourages them to love as well. This is what a loving parent does for their child. Service is more than just an action—it’s an attitude, rooted in both our emotions and our deepest convictions. While feelings can change, convictions give us strength. The way you serve reveals the depth of your love. Let’s ask Jesus for the grace to love wholeheartedly, to reach out in service, and to open our hearts to our brothers and sisters.

3. Returning. Don’t lose sight of your spiritual purpose—learn to see your life through a spiritual lens. Without this perspective, life can seem harsh. Take time this evening to quiet your heart and listen. The invitation of the Paschal Triduum is to encounter your true self and, from that place, to return to your Creator. Let go of your biases and prejudices; approach life with sound judgment, remembering that life is shaped by the choices you make—and each decision requires the vitality to act.

Always remember something good is on the way!

Happy start of the Easter Triduum! Remember there is no Resurrection without Passion.

The blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be with you and remain with you always.