Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily forHoly Thursday – Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

April 17, 2025, John 13:1-15

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041725-Supper.cfm

You Can’t Have One Without The Other.

I did my studies in DerrysWood, south of London, England. We were a community of 30, and today’s gospel reminded me of Father General Jimmy Flynn (the Superior General of the Institute of Charity), who was washing dishes after a meal. The Rector, superior of the house, said, Father General, “You don’t have to wash dishes.” Father General took one glance at him and continued washing the dishes until he washed the last dish.

I thought to myself, “Wow! I want to be like Fr. General.” It left a lasting impression on me. There was a catchy tune to a commercial, which I can’t remember, but the one line was catchy, “You Can’t Have One Without The Other.” I do remember it from a song. He washed their feet before Jesus fed His disciples His Body and Blood at the Last Supper.

Washing of the feet was a custom that only a child would do when someone entered their home. You can imagine what the house would be like with all those dusty roads. Why did Jesus choose the occasion of the Last Supper before He died to wash His disciple’s feet?

It was a profound act of humility, a lesson for us all. Eating and Drinking at the Lord’s table reaches its fulfillment when we leave our place of worship and meet the needs of the people we encounter throughout the day and week.

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