March 2019
John: (Jn 3:1-17)
Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over. So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.” Jesus said to him, “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all.” For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.” So when he had washed their feet [and] put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.
Vincentian Reflection
Well this has been a good couple of days…St Patrick’s day and St Gertrude of Nivelles day and Mike the Trout day. Not to mention recognizing my 34th year of wedded bliss to the Lovely Mary B of Glendora. But that’s enough of that…
For my reflection tonight I had wanted/intended to explore the meaning of grace and what all that does to us and for us. But what better time than Lent to do other than what I want?
As you well know, Lent isn’t about “giving up” something, or “doing extra” or even fasting, abstinence or confession. All of that and much more is all part of lent, but as tools or mechanisms to bring our relationship with the Creator into focus.
And with that focus we will hopefully see how our purpose is to fulfill His plan, His way and in His time. How to get that out of ourselves is the challenge.
I can’t help but draw some perspective from my own life, which I suspect is the same for most every parent. To this day, my children have no problem with ignoring all of my perfectly formed guidances and rejecting each of my flawless suggestions. Since the toddler years, it’s has frequently been “But I want….”. I doubt this is different from anyone’s experience. The question is how often do we say to God “But I want…”?
We can see this another way in one of the many gifts Jesus left us with from his too short ministry. I’m speaking of the Washing of the Feet, customarily observed on Holy Thursday. Even two thousand years later, this is such a gross and menial task that most are uncomfortable participating.
Resolving all this is difficult. Lent is such a personal time, reflecting on the purpose and meaning can be somewhat like trying to capture clouds in a coffee cup. And yet each of us must use this time to consider and nurture our relationship with our Lord.
However for me, the message is clear. If our Lord and Savior can bring himself to wash feet in a time when sandals were the norm and roads were at best dusty and often slathered with sewage and refuse, surely what God asks of us in our ministry can’t be too difficult and is certainly more important than what I want. So, let’s get to work..
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