Daily Gospel Reflection for March 29, 2018

Today's Gospel: John 13:1-15 - Holy Thursday When Jesus is “fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power,” He chooses to wash and dry his disciples’ feet, an act of love, devotion, and humility. As they recognized, He was the master, and as had happened so many times, His actions caught their attention and shocked them. Had they realized He was extending this same gesture to Judas, even though He knew he would betray them, they would have been even more disturbed. He did not stop there, though; He made it clear that they were called to follow His example: “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” Jesus redefined what it means to be a master and teacher. Jesus knew that they would not yet fully understand, so He pointed it out to them. There is a richness and depth to Sacred Scripture and Tradition that we seek over time, stepping forward in faith, while Jesus pursues our hearts. He knows us completely, including what is beyond our current level of comprehension and what our natural next teaching point is. He creates a context to reveal to us what we need to know, when and how we need to discover it. When we respond with ignorance, He finds ways to redirect our thinking towards where we need to grow, where we need to open our hearts and reconsider our preconceived notions. He holds us to high standards but provides us with the support to work toward them, reminding us that He provides us with the example, not only in Himself but also in the lives of many holy people throughout the ages.