Humble Service

Holy Thursday begins the Triduum, the three days that concentrate on the intensest part of the Passion and Death of Jesus.  The Holy Oils are blessed at the Mass of the Chrism, often earlier in the week, otherwise Thursday becomes too overloaded, and then at the Evening Mass of the Lord's supper, we commemorate the Institution of the Holy Eucharist and the Priesthood.  John's version of the meal is the only one that includes the washing of the feet of the Twelve, a gesture which makes visible that template beneath both of these sacraments.  Jesus totally gives of himself, pours out his blood to the last drop, in order that we may be redeemed and nourished.  The priest, like Jesus, is to be the servant, humbly caring for the needs of his parishioners.All of us, if followers of Jesus, should take this stance, that is, to be willing to give of ourselves, and bend over to give humble service of others.  After the Liturgy of the Lord's Supper, there is an opportunity to spend time before the Blessed Sacrament...to thank Jesus for this gift, and all that flows from it, as well as to offer ourselves in humble service to him. What a rich opportunity for spiritual growth this day provides!
Bro. Rene
I will be on retreat at St. Anselm Abbey in Manchester NH during these holy days, and in Pittsburgh on Easter Sunday for a Baptism.  Slices of Daily Bread might be sparse because of this, but I'll do my best to find a computer.