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.)
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Wednesday, 1st Week in Advent December 6, 2023, Matthew 15:29-37 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120623.cfm NEVER HUNGER. HOW IS THAT? A few years ago,
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Tuesday, 1st Week of Advent December 5, 2023, Luke 10:21-24 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120523.cfm INTIMACY LEADS TO TRUST! All through His life, Jesus
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Monday, 1st Week of Advent December 4, 2023, Matthew 8:5-11 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120423.cfm Amaze Jesus? Really. Oscar Rodriguez is a fan of
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for the 1st Sunday in Advent 2024 December 3, 2023, Mark 13:33-37 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120323.cfm Here He Comes. Do you remember people camping
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
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