Maundy Thursday

The Miracle of Serving

Readings: Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 116:10-17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15

"Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end." Jesus had a loving relationship with his disciples. It was a relationship that comes from a sense of intimacy for which we all need to strive. It is that sense of intimacy that happens when real trust grows between two people. In a situation of such trust, both people are able to give and receive selfless and meaningful love. It is the kind of love that is required if we are to be servants in the sense in which God calls us to serve. It is the kind of love that Jesus showed to his disciples on the night before he died.

On that night, Jesus performed an astonishing task. He took a bowl, a jug full of water and a towel. He went down on his hands and knees before his friends. He washed their feet. He washed them all, lovingly and thoroughly, with eyes full of tenderness and love for those whose feet he was washing.

It may not seem to be such a momentous occurrence for us. But in a time when dusty roads and sandals were the norm it was not only a loving gesture, but also a useful one. If you think it was no big deal, consider Peter's response. He was overwhelmed by the reversal in roles. The one he served was serving him. It was a life-changing experience.

Such acts of service are still life changing experiences. They take place in many forms in our world. When they do, although we often fail to recognize them as such, they are reflections of the love of God. We have all seen signs of such love in many forms. A nurse holding the hand of an elderly patient to reassure, to comfort; a salesperson comforting a lost child; someone going out of their way to drive a neighbour to an appointment; a neighbour dropping in with a casserole at a time of bereavement.

That example of the suffering servant that we see exemplified in the life of Christ has come down to us through the centuries. It is a challenge to all human images and concepts of power, authority and leadership. So a great person like Ghandi can humble himself by washing latrines. Mother Teresa can serve the humblest and poorest beggar on the streets of Calcutta. Jean Vanier can live in community with his mentally challenged brothers and sisters.

What a paradox Jesus presents to us! Through service one leads. Through Christian love and concern one can work miracles. Thanks be to God.