Called to Imitate Jesus
Holy Thursday – ABC
Exodus 12:1–8, 11–14; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; John 13:1–15
The liturgy of Holy Thursday unveils the mystery of the Eucharist, which is rooted in the feast of Passover. Passover not only commemorates the liberation from Egypt’s slavery but also embodies the hope of being freed from the bondage of sin. At the heart of the Passover liturgy is a sacrificial lamb—its blood protects against the angel of death, and its body is consumed with unleavened bread and bitter herbs (Ex. 12:6–11).
At the center of the Eucharist are the bread and wine, identified with the body and blood of the Lamb of God. Just as, on the night before departing Egypt, Israel offered a lamb, on the night before His passion Jesus took bread and wine and declared, “This is my body” and “This cup is the new covenant in my blood” (1 Cor. 11:24–25). In doing so, He established a new covenant between God and humanity—a covenant foretold long ago by Jeremiah (Jer. 31:33–34)—and introduced a new commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34).
How has Jesus loved us? It was love that motivated the Word to leave the Father and dwell among us (John 1:14; John 3:16). Now, the time for Jesus’ own “Passover” has come—that is, to pass over from this world to the Father (John 13:1). In leaving this world to return to the One who sent Him, Jesus brings our redeemed humanity along. The love that dwelt among us finds its fullest expression on the cross: Jesus Christ loved us to the very end (John 13:1).
By washing the feet of His apostles, Jesus performed an act typically reserved for slaves serving their masters. This act powerfully illustrates Saint Paul’s hymn, in which Jesus took the form of a servant, humbled Himself, and became obedient even unto death on the cross (Phil. 2:7–8). Just as water from a basin cleanses the disciples’ feet, so does the blood that flows from the cross cleanse their hearts. Moreover, the foot washing serves as a vivid call to discipleship: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). In this light, the cross signifies not only the cleansing of one another’s feet but also the sharing of burdens (Gal. 6:2) and the willingness to give our lives for Christ, His Gospel, and our brothers and sisters.
Before the Last Supper, Judas had already resolved to betray Jesus (John 13:2–3). When exactly did he make up his mind? Was it during that dinner in Bethany when he rebuked Mary for using “a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard” to anoint Jesus (John 12:1–6)? In contrast, Peter’s objection recalls his earlier reaction to the announcement of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Initially, he exclaimed, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you” (Matt. 16:22); now he asks, “Lord, do you wash my feet? […] You shall never wash my feet” (John 13:6,8). Thus, on one hand, Christ’s unwavering love is rejected (as with Judas), while on the other, it is misunderstood (as with Peter).
“How shall I repay the Lord for all the good He has done for me?” (Ps. 116:12). The answer is straightforward: participate in the Eucharist. “I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord” (Ps. 116:13). The Eucharist is an expression of thanksgiving. How else can we repay God for His love but by imitating Jesus’ loving service to one another (Gal. 5:13), following His example: “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:15).