Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Holy Thursday -Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

April 02, 2026, John 13:1-15

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040226.cfm

You Can’t Have One Without The Other.

I completed my studies in DerrysWood, south of London, England. Our community consisted of 30 people, and today’s gospel brought to mind our late Father General Jimmy Flynn (the Superior General of the Institute of Charity), who was washing dishes after a meal. The Rector, the house’s superior, said, Father General, “You don’t have to wash dishes.” Father General glanced at him and kept washing the dishes until he finished washing the last one.

I found myself thinking, “Wow! I want to be like Fr. General.” It truly made a deep impression on me. There was a memorable commercial with a catchy tune—though I can’t quite recall the ad, there’s a line that stuck with me: “You can’t Have One Without The Other.” Interestingly, I remember it from a song. It reminds me of how Jesus washed the disciples’ feet before He fed them His Body and Blood at the Last Supper.

The custom of washing feet was typically something a child would do when someone entered their home, especially considering all the dusty roads. It makes you wonder why Jesus chose the moment of the Last Supper—just before His death—to wash His disciples’ feet. Such a touching act shows His deep humility and love.

This was a truly inspiring act of humility, offering us a meaningful lesson. The experience of eating and drinking at the Lord’s table becomes even more complete when we step out of our place of worship and actively respond to the needs of those we meet each day and week. Who’s feet did Jesus gently wash today through my kindness? And who’s feet will He wash tomorrow?

As the gospel states, Jesus was fully aware that the Father had entrusted everything to Him. When we partake in the Holy Mass, consuming His Body and Blood, we are given the power to deny ourselves for the benefit of others.

This is not just a suggestion but a transformation that we must undergo. As the early fathers of the Church said, ‘We become what we eat.’ Jesus, in His life and teachings, was always focused on serving others.

Gospel Challenge:

If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.

“Eat My Flesh. Drink My Blood.”

I have given you a model to follow so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

Some people eat and drink at the Lord’s Supper but don’t serve. Others serve but don’t eat and drink. You can’t have one without the other to be the Presence of Jesus in the world today.

Love One Another.

Father Rick Pilger, I. C. www.bscchurch.com