Washing of the Feet

Reflection Date: April 02, 2026 | Holy Thursday of the Lord’s Supper 
Daily Readings: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15

Children of God:
In the Catholic tradition, Holy Thursday carries deep historical meaning.

It commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples.

In recent years, an interesting development appeared in the Vatican regarding this celebration.

Pope Francis often celebrated the Mass of the Lord’s Supper outside the traditional setting of the cathedral.

He chose prisons, refugee centers, and places where the poor and forgotten lived.

By doing so, he emphasized service to the marginalized.

However, Pope Leo XIV announced that he would celebrate the Holy Thursday Mass at the Basilica of St. John Lateran.

This restored a long-standing Roman tradition.

The Lateran Basilica is the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome.

For centuries, popes celebrated the Holy Thursday liturgy there as a sign of unity with the Church of Rome.

The return to this tradition reminded the Church of the historical roots of the celebration.

It also highlighted the balance between tradition and pastoral outreach.

In the gospel story of John, Jesus shared a meal with his disciples before his passion.

During the supper, he stood up, removed his outer garment, and wrapped a towel around his waist.

Then he poured water into a basin and began washing the feet of the disciples.

This task usually belonged to servants in the household.

What are our inspirations for today?

First, True greatness shows itself through humble service.

In the culture of the time, washing of the feet was a simple and lowly task.

Yet Jesus chose this action to teach an important lesson to his disciples.

He did not simply speak about humility.

He demonstrated it through a visible and concrete gesture.

The one whom they called Teacher and Lord knelt before them and served them.

In our daily life, we often associate greatness with power, recognition, or influence.

But the example of Jesus invites us to see greatness differently.

Serving others with sincerity becomes the real measure of leadership and faith.

Second, Love becomes real when it turns into action.

Jesus did not only speak about love during the supper.

He expressed love through a meaningful act of care and service.

The washing of the feet symbolized the deeper mission of Jesus.

His life revealed a love that gave itself fully for others.

For us today, faith becomes authentic when it appears in concrete actions.

Kindness, patience, and service transform simple moments into powerful expressions of love.

As we reflect today, we ask ourselves: Do I see service as a burden or as an opportunity to express love? In my family, community, or workplace, how do I practice humility in everyday situations? What simple acts of kindness can I offer today that reflect the example of Jesus?

Children of God:
Holy Thursday reminds us that love often appears in simple gestures.

The action of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples revealed a new understanding of leadership.

Authority in the kingdom of God takes the form of humble service.

Traditions in the Church continue to remind us of this truth through liturgy and example.

Whether celebrated in a cathedral or among the poor, the message remains the same.

Christ invites his followers to kneel in service rather than stand in pride.

As we continue the journey of Holy Week, we carry this lesson into our daily lives.