“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35)
This commandment is what gives Maundy Thursday its name - from the Latin “mandatum.” Jesus told the disciples to love one another. But more importantly, he showed them. Throughout their time together, but most poignantly on that last Thursday, their last night together. He washed their feet to show them how to serve one another. He ate with them, giving thanks to God for the bread and wine, and encouraged them to continue in that fellowship and to remember him.
Priests have the great privilege of serving people through sacraments. We baptize people into the new life of Christ, and we offer the eucharist - the thanksgiving and remembrance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection - that feeds God’s people. These sacraments are part of the way we serve. They are part of how we love one another.
Today I give thanks for bread and wine, for the love of God poured out into the world, and for the privilege of leading God’s people in remembrance and thanksgiving. Love one another.
(Image: in the cloister of the Cathedral in Barcelonà this statue represents the offering of the Eucharist.)
(Image: the distribution of holy oil to clergy during Holy Week. With these oils we seal people in baptism and anoint the sick. the image also reminds me of the basin and towel Jesus used to wash his disciples’ feet.)