"Most certainly I
tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither is one who is sent
greater than he who sent him" - John 13:16
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| Photo by Pexels,com |
Dear brothers and sisters. On 19 September 2021, Pope Francis said in his homily that greatness and success are not measured by what someone has, but by what someone gives. In other words, someone's quality of life is based on something other than position but on service. Servicing others opens a deep relation to God and receives God's presence and love.
The Last Supper was an event in
which Jesus ate with His disciples before He suffered, was agonized and died.
Jesus knew His life was ending, and there was little time left to teach many
things with words and parables. Therefore, He modelled essential aspects of
life to His disciples through actions, namely, eating together and washing his
disciples' feet. Jesus left memories of togetherness, unity and service from
these two events.
Eating together allowed Jesus to
meet His disciples while emphasizing himself as the source of life. If bread
and wine can nourish the body, then His body and shed blood are the source of
food and drink that can nourish the soul.
In addition, through the washing
of feet, two meanings are contained. Firstly, Jesus built His relationship with
God the Father, to receive God the Father's presence and love in him. He
realised that He was sent not to be served but to serve. And this task He did
until the end of his life. Secondly, Jesus set an example through action for
the disciples to see, experience and follow. As a teacher, Jesus realized that
a living example is more tangible than words. Therefore, He wanted the
disciples to serve Him in their lives.
The meal and the washing of feet
were symbols of sacrifice, togetherness, humility and service. These values
still resonate amid a social life crisis that should be echoed so that life
becomes more dignified. Once again, a person becomes great not because of what
he has, but because of what he gives. The most memorable gift is the gift of
true self.
Reflection on John 13:1-20 by Fr. Aris Mada, SVD
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