Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday 
The Gift of the Eucharist and of Servanthood
Friar Mario Serrano, OFM Conv.
Board of Directors, Spiritual Advisor

At the Last Supper, when Jesus held up the bread and spoke the words “This is my Body,” He was speaking not just about the bread right in front of him, but about the whole universe, about everything that is physical, material, and yet also spirit filled. What other Thursday could bring comfort to us than Holy Thursday? We are reminded of presence of the Body of Christ in our own lives.  

How daring and shocking it was for Jesus to turn the whole tradition of His time upside down and make that which we at times dismiss as holy, as truly holy, an otherness that can bring about the reality of God.  You, me, and all the ones we find ourselves with, in celebrating this special day, we are privileged in this unique experience to celebrate the ordinary as extraordinary.

The Eucharist is a startling ritual. It is bloody, embodied, sensual, and shocking as it takes us into a realization of oneness with God. Jesus gave us another physical practice to teach us grace and forgiveness. 

Foot Washing (John 13:1-8, 12-17, NIV)
Along with the gift of the Eucharist, we are also given on this day the model for living out our relationship with God: The Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit - by bending low and being present in this humble action.  I invite you to do the ritual of “foot washing” at home.

Foot washing is a contemplative practice that can happen at any time and with anyone. Invite someone to share this ritual with you, if you both are comfortable having your feet touched by each other. No script or special space is needed, just a basin, warm water, towels, and your authentic presence. 

You might choose to wash in silence, focusing on the physical sensations, or you may wish to talk about what you mean to each other, express gratitude and/or ask for forgiveness. However you choose to practice foot washing, I hope it helps you experience your own and your companion’s bodies as God’s body!