Out Of Love

Holy Thursday, the first day of the Triduum, the three Holy Days before the Resurrection on Easter, the culmination of the Paschal Mystery, i.e. the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus...the necessary death of the grain of seed allowing new life to sprout. Out of LOVE, Jesus gave of himself, "This is my body given for you...my blood poured out for many." (see Mt 26:26ff and Mk 14: 22ff). To insure that this gift be accessible to all generations he said, "When you do this, do it in memory of me." Thus the apostles were ordained and the priesthood came into being. Further, "and laying aside his garments, he washed the feet of the disciples." (See Jn 13: 1-17). An act of humble service, a model for priests, bishops, all followers of Jesus. "I have given you example so that thus you must do to one another." There is much to ponder today: how deep does our love go? How complete and widespread our giving of ourselves? What is keeping us back? How can we follow our Model more closely?
It seems our CCHS students have taken the service model very seriously and in response to the Pay It Forward Challenge a month ago, have taken the $100.00 and blown it up into $3,244.00, which will help Lazarus House pay for the training of a chef who then will be hired by a local restaurant and thus be able to support his family. There are many ways to wash the feet of others; no doubt Jesus is smiling as he looks at this spectacular effort to take his lesson to heart. A reason to be proud, inspired and to do likewise.
Bro. Rene