1. The Triduum: Jueves Santo – Holy Thursday
Washing of Feet
This year is better than last year, but I am saddened by the instruction that we should not do the washing of feet part of the Holy Thursday liturgy. We will recognize that ritual by sprinkling water on representatives of the Apostles, but I will miss the washing of the feet. It was always a special part of Holy Thursday celebrations, but during my years in Fresno as the Director for Campesino Ministry it was a highlight of Holy Week. Most years in Fresno, I celebrated Holy Thursday on farms or in communities that did not have a Catholic Church. Since they were outdoor Masses, the reservation of the Eucharist after the Mass was omitted. Perhaps, it was on account of the fact that the solemnity of Holy Thursday without the closing adoration time, more emphasis was placed on the washing of the feet.
A most memorable Holy Thursday took place in a very small community that only consisted of about ten homes. Nearly 150 people came for the Mass. They came from farms nearby. Twelve dressed as Apostles wore nametags to identify the abandoned of society, identifying various ills that separate people from one another. The signs included: unemployed, addictions, disabled, blind, deaf, terminal illness, homeless, and more. At that Mass, reflecting on Jesus washing their feet, people saw Jesus raising up the dignity of those forgotten in society. One person said that during the ceremony he felt privileged to represent people who suffer daily.
At a fiesta in Fresno, I spoke with a man in his thirties. He was from the state of Hidalgo. I told him that I had been to Cardonal, Hidalgo and he said, “that is my parish church.” I then said that I celebrated Masses in the ranchos and most notable was washing the feet of shepherd boys in Sauz. What was notable was that they wanted both feet washed. He said that between the ages of ten to fourteen he was always chosen as one of the shepherds who would have his feet washed. He asked when I was there. When I said 1993. He said, “Padre, you washed my feet.”
Jesus said, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” As Jesus served us, we must also serve others.
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Ayúdame a preparar un programa sacramental para niños con necesidades especiales y tiempo limitado de preparación.
Por favor comparte conmigo tus recuerdos. Escribir a: [email protected]
Washing of Feet
This year is better than last year, but I am saddened by the instruction that we should not do the washing of feet part of the Holy Thursday liturgy. We will recognize that ritual by sprinkling water on representatives of the Apostles, but I will miss the washing of the feet. It was always a special part of Holy Thursday celebrations, but during my years in Fresno as the Director for Campesino Ministry it was a highlight of Holy Week. Most years in Fresno, I celebrated Holy Thursday on farms or in communities that did not have a Catholic Church. Since they were outdoor Masses, the reservation of the Eucharist after the Mass was omitted. Perhaps, it was on account of the fact that the solemnity of Holy Thursday without the closing adoration time, more emphasis was placed on the washing of the feet.
A most memorable Holy Thursday took place in a very small community that only consisted of about ten homes. Nearly 150 people came for the Mass. They came from farms nearby. Twelve dressed as Apostles wore nametags to identify the abandoned of society, identifying various ills that separate people from one another. The signs included: unemployed, addictions, disabled, blind, deaf, terminal illness, homeless, and more. At that Mass, reflecting on Jesus washing their feet, people saw Jesus raising up the dignity of those forgotten in society. One person said that during the ceremony he felt privileged to represent people who suffer daily.
At a fiesta in Fresno, I spoke with a man in his thirties. He was from the state of Hidalgo. I told him that I had been to Cardonal, Hidalgo and he said, “that is my parish church.” I then said that I celebrated Masses in the ranchos and most notable was washing the feet of shepherd boys in Sauz. What was notable was that they wanted both feet washed. He said that between the ages of ten to fourteen he was always chosen as one of the shepherds who would have his feet washed. He asked when I was there. When I said 1993. He said, “Padre, you washed my feet.”
Jesus said, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” As Jesus served us, we must also serve others.
Still looking for help
Help me prepare a sacramental program for children with special needs and limited time for preparation.
Please share with me your memories. Write to: [email protected]
Oh Jesús, tú nos llamas: “Síganme”. Bendice, Señor, a todos los que acogen tu llamado. Puede que el camino no sea fácil, pero tenemos la confianza de que todo es posible si caminamos contigo. Que este viaje nos abra los ojos a las maravillas de tu amor por nosotros. Oramos por toda tu gente, por todos los creyentes e incrédulos, por los líderes y seguidores. Oramos por la sanación, el perdón, la compasión, la justicia y la paz. Oramos para que, al seguirte, nosotros también podamos ser pescadores de hombres. Bendícenos en nuestro viaje.
O Jesus, you call us, “Come after me.” Bless, O Lord, all who welcome your call. The path may not be easy, but we have confidence that all things are possible if we walk with you. May this journey, open our eyes to the wonders of your love for us. We pray for all your people, for all believers and unbelievers, for leaders and followers. We pray for healing, for forgiveness, for compassion, for justice, for peace. We pray that as we follow you, we too can be fishers of men. Bless us on our journey.
