RBWords

  

     At the celebration of a "Seder Meal" in a Jewish household, a child is assigned the role of asking, "Why are we doing this?"  I wish there was some way to incorporate this question in a formal way into our own celebration of Holy Thursday!  It's really what we need to be asking on this day - perhaps this EVENING.

 

     Catholic tradition refers to what is done as "eucharist," a word that means "thanksgiving!"  But that is a result of reflecting on the tradition as reported by St. Paul and the Gospels.  For Jesus and the disciples, the meal was a celebration of the Passover, as recounted in the first scripture for this day from Exodus.  There we are told the reason for the meal.  However, in the Gospel of John, the tradition recounts Jesus' washing of the feet of the disciples.  This gesture is commemorated in our liturgy only on Holy Thursday, and is referred to as the "mandatum" or "command."  One could only wonder what would happen if we did it at every celebration of the Eucharist!

 

     It is difficult to keep the word, "remembrance," in mind when we celebrate the Eucharist every day!  We also have a tabernacle with the consecrated hosts reserved in it.  Jesus is present always.  What is there to be remembered?  Again, the child's question echoes: "Why are we doing this?"  It is not just a matter of historical re-enactment.  It is a proclamation and recognition of Christ's continuing presence which he has given to us in the form of bread and wine AND in the challenge to service represented in the washing of the feet.  We cannot allow these two essential elements to be separated so that devotion takes precedence over service.  A quick check of Isaiah and the Sermon on the Mount should warn us!

 

     In the midst of glorious music, processions and adoration, the image of Jesus washing feet should be given its due.  This will ensure that our "remembrance" is complete and may even inspire us to do the same!   AMEN