Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18, John
13:1-15
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/040110.shtml
CHRISTIANS' LIB
"If I washed your feet — I Who am Teacher and Lord — then you must wash
each other's feet. What I just did was to give you an example." —John
13:14-15
Jesus is the Lamb, the Paschal Lamb, the Symbol of liberation from slavery
(see Ex 12:3ff). However, Jesus did the work of a slave when He washed the
apostles' feet (Jn 13:4ff). How can Jesus be both the Liberator and the
Slave?
Jesus first liberates us not from the circumstances but in the
circumstances. Jesus did not seek to escape death but freely gave Himself
up to death. He was first free in death and then was free from death when
He rose from the dead. Jesus first freely emptied Himself and took the
form of a slave (Phil 2:7). Later, He was exalted and given the name above
every other name (Phil 2:9). Jesus first freely became sin in that He took
on our sinful human condition (2 Cor 5:21). Then, He set us free from sin.
Jesus first freely descended into the realm of the dead (1 Pt 3:18-19).
Then, He conquered death.
When Jesus washed the apostles' feet and died on the cross, He did the
work and died the death of a slave. However, He was the most liberated
Person Who has ever lived — even while He was a slave, not just when He
rose from the dead.
When we receive Holy Communion on this Holy Thursday, we are saying that
we want Jesus, the Slave-Liberator, to live within us. We tell Him we are
willing to be enslaved to and liberated by Him.
Prayer: Father, may I be awed by the implications of receiving Your
eucharistic, crucified, and risen Son.
Promise: "This is My body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of
Me." —1 Cor 11:24
Praise: Praise the eucharistic Jesus, Who humbles Himself for our sake!
(As Lent draws to a close, continue to grow in your faith through our
"Seek First the Kingdom "retreat, Apr 16-17. Call 937-587-5464.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2010 through May 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 9, 2009
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
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