April 17 Lenten Devotional Holy Thursday "Will You Go?"

OPENING PRAYER. . .Loving God, Creator of all that is, here I am--today in this place that you have given me, with all the senses you have given me. Help me to use them to experience you on a deeper level. May I experience you all around me, open me to know more of your ways and know that your goodness surrounds me. Thank you for this time to be with you and to just listen. Amen

LISTEN. . . When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.  “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.   Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.   I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:12-15)

CONSIDER. . .After Pope Francis washed and kissed the feet of 12 young offenders at a juvenile detention center during his inaugural Holy Thursday Mass he spoke to the young offenders. He said, "that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples on the eve of his crucifixion in a gesture of love and service."

SO WHAT. . .The unlimited and unexpected love of Jesus bends before us, washes us clean, and urges us to treat each other--especially the least among us--with the same love. This day reminds us that the Gospel is a life to be lived and not just an ideal to be contemplated.  Jesus sends us. The question is, will you go?

PRAYER. . .Lord Jesus, send forth your cleansing and healing upon me. Give me the grace to bow down before my sisters and brothers and imitate your love in humble service. Amen