April 1
Readings – EX 12:1-8, 11-14; JN 13:1-15
I am always struck by the simplicity and power of how Jesus uses his body and words.
He asks the disciples, ‘What have you got?” as he prepares to feed 5000 people and passes a basket around.
He calms an angry mob who is about to stone a woman by drawing on the ground and then saying, “Let the one among you who has no sin cast the first stone…”
And then during the Passover celebration, he gets down the floor, starts washing the disciples’ feet and says, “Do you know what I am doing for you?”
On this night, he took a familiar ritual and infused it with new meaning. In addition to the powerful move to invite them to remember him while they were eating this special Passover meal, he offered a new vision of leadership. A leader is one who gets dirty and gets on the ground. A leader is not above anyone else. A leader is humble. Jesus even knows that his disciples won’t understand him – but he does it anyway.
Peter protests, of course, because this is not how things are supposed to be. Teachers are supposed to be revered and honored. They are not supposed to do such humiliating actions. But remember in the story of the Prodigal Son how the father humiliates himself and runs towards his son when he sees him. The son should be running towards the father. It is unbecoming of someone of the father’s status to run towards a child – and especially a son like this who has disgraced the relationship.
Yet this is the kind of love Jesus was trying to model for us – a love that flips the script, goes to great lengths and spares nothing.
The Passover event cannot be underestimated in the hearts and minds of Israel. It is one of the foundational events of their tradition and is celebrated to this day (in fact, Jewish people all around the world are celebrating Passover as I write these words). It is the night when Israel found its freedom and God made good on God’s promise to liberate the people from their oppression.
Jesus also makes good on his promise and follows though on his own commitment to service and sacrifice. To the end, he used his body, mind, spirit and words in service to others. And while we might be inclined to elevate him and his actions, many of us know this in some form or another. We know it as parent or caregiver. We know it as partner or spouse. We know it as family member or relative. We serve and sacrifice for others.
As they say in the popular series, The Mandalorian, “This is the way.” It’s the code we are invited to live by, and each year on Holy Thursday, Jesus’ example invites us deeper into that reality.
Today we reflect on what self-less love looks like in action – love that costs us our time, energy and convenience. Love that reverses the norms. Love that does justice. A love that Jesus told us to follow no matter where it might lead us.
14 Comments
Maureen
Thank you, Mike. Every single day my prayer has been enriched and my soul nourished and challenged this Lent
Mike Boucher Author
thanks so much, Maureen. It’s been wonderful to have you along.
Kenbarb@rochester.rr.com
Jesus has given us so many lessons in love, kindness and generosity. Your Lenten reflections remind us that we need to live our lives as the teacher has taught us. Give even when people can’t repay you, stand up for the oppressed because they can’t stand on their own, and in all things remain humble. Thank you, Mike. You have reminded us how to pay attention in class.
Mike Boucher Author
What a great sentence, Barb: Give even when people can’t repay you, stand up for the oppressed because they can’t stand on their own, and in all things remain humble.
Barbara Lantiegne
Thank you for this beautiful reflection and love. I’ve read every one of your reflections through these Lenten days, and they have given me much food for thought. Happy Easter, Michael.
Mike Boucher Author
thanks, Barbara! So great to have you part of our virtual community!
Sue Spoonhower
Thank you, Mike. Your thoughtful writings have been a gift throughout Lent. Sometimes they have fortified my thoughts and practices and sometimes made me question them. I have looked forward to reading them each day.
Blessings to you and your family on Easter,
Mike Boucher Author
thanks, Sue. It has been great to hear from you throughout the journey.
Connie Craig
Beautifully said.
Mike Boucher Author
thanks, Connie.
Karen Keenan
thankyou so much Mike for all your beautiful Lenten reflections. They have really added to the retreat time that lent is. I love your quiet questions that help me to look deeper. Blessings to you and your family.
Mike Boucher Author
thanks, Karen. It’s been great to have you along for the journey!
Kathy Heaton
Dear Mike, you are blessed with such inspiration and in return you have given me much food for thought and meditation. I thank God for you and always look forward to hearing you speak. May you and your family have a blessed Easter. 🙏💕. Kathy Heaton
Mike Boucher Author
thanks, Kathy. Happy Easter to you and yours! really glad you joined us on this blog/journey. Rebirth is the key and so appreciated in my life. As you said, we are Easter people even when things seem desolate – and I know that you have walked through times of desolation to know this. Blessings!
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