It was Holy Thursday night at Sacred Heart Church, Bradenton, FL. I locked up the church after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. I went to the rectory, and after a few minutes, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to see ten members of my Small Christian Community. They walked in without saying a word. Then they pulled out a chair, sat me down, and removed my shoes and socks. Next, they poured cool water over my feet, washed them, and wiped them with a towel. Then they put on my shoes and socks. Finally, they all hugged me and left. No words were spoken.
I can’t even find words to describe how I felt then and now, recalling that memory. I felt clean all through; so much did their love touch my soul. All but one disciple felt clean at the Last Supper when Jesus washed their feet – Judas. Notice how Jesus connected service with the washing. The only person Judas served was himself. He was a slave to himself.
Jesus called us slaves for a reason. Slaves washed their master’s feet. When we surrender to Jesus, everything that pleases Him and not ourselves, we will do anything for Him with great joy and passion. Nothing is complicated when we love someone so much. Think how free we are when we let God have his way with us.
He can send us anywhere and ask us to do anything. We will do it without giving it a second thought. Blessed Antonio Rosmini calls this the “spirit of indifference.” But, I discovered a long time ago that God’s plan always works out for the best.
If you are struggling with something, let Jesus wash your feet in a moment of silent prayer. He is washing away your stubbornness to do things your way. So be free, my friend, for Jesus to accomplish beautiful things in your life and the lives of the people you touch. John the Baptist said it best, “He must increase, I must decrease” (John 3:30.)
,November 29, 2025, Luke 21:34-36https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112925.cfm The End Times – A New Beginning. Jesus teaches us that the great tribulation, bringing havoc to our world and
November 27, 2025, Luke 17:11-19 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112725-Thanksgiving.cfm For what are you thankful? We are truly grateful to have a day to thank God for all His
November 26, 2025, Luke 21: 12-19 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112625.cfm A Wisdom No Adversary Can Refute. Religious persecution is not a common experience for us here in the
November 25, 2025, Luke 21: 5-11 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112525.cfm Where is God’s Sanctuary? People admiring the jewels and stones in the Temple in today’s gospel remind me
Father Rick’s Three Minute Homily for Thursday 4th Week in Easter 2022 – 05-12-2022
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051222.cfm
SUPPER, SLAVE, JUDAS, AND ACCEPTS THE ONE I SEND.
It was Holy Thursday night at Sacred Heart Church, Bradenton, FL. I locked up the church after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. I went to the rectory, and after a few minutes, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to see ten members of my Small Christian Community. They walked in without saying a word. Then they pulled out a chair, sat me down, and removed my shoes and socks. Next, they poured cool water over my feet, washed them, and wiped them with a towel. Then they put on my shoes and socks. Finally, they all hugged me and left. No words were spoken.
I can’t even find words to describe how I felt then and now, recalling that memory. I felt clean all through; so much did their love touch my soul. All but one disciple felt clean at the Last Supper when Jesus washed their feet – Judas. Notice how Jesus connected service with the washing. The only person Judas served was himself. He was a slave to himself.
Jesus called us slaves for a reason. Slaves washed their master’s feet. When we surrender to Jesus, everything that pleases Him and not ourselves, we will do anything for Him with great joy and passion. Nothing is complicated when we love someone so much. Think how free we are when we let God have his way with us.
He can send us anywhere and ask us to do anything. We will do it without giving it a second thought. Blessed Antonio Rosmini calls this the “spirit of indifference.” But, I discovered a long time ago that God’s plan always works out for the best.
If you are struggling with something, let Jesus wash your feet in a moment of silent prayer. He is washing away your stubbornness to do things your way. So be free, my friend, for Jesus to accomplish beautiful things in your life and the lives of the people you touch. John the Baptist said it best, “He must increase, I must decrease” (John 3:30.)
IGNITE THE FIRE!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
Share:
More Posts
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Saturday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time
,November 29, 2025, Luke 21:34-36https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112925.cfm The End Times – A New Beginning. Jesus teaches us that the great tribulation, bringing havoc to our world and
Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Thanksgiving Day
November 27, 2025, Luke 17:11-19 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112725-Thanksgiving.cfm For what are you thankful? We are truly grateful to have a day to thank God for all His
Father Rick’s Two-Minute for Wednesday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time
November 26, 2025, Luke 21: 12-19 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112625.cfm A Wisdom No Adversary Can Refute. Religious persecution is not a common experience for us here in the
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Tuesday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time
November 25, 2025, Luke 21: 5-11 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112525.cfm Where is God’s Sanctuary? People admiring the jewels and stones in the Temple in today’s gospel remind me
Categories
Send Us A Message