April 1, Holy Thursday

Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ. -- 1 Corinthians 10:16

Mass readings: Chrism Mass: Isaiah 61:1-3,6,8-9 / Revelation 1:5-8 / Luke 4:16-21

Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper: Exodus 12:1-8,11-14 /1 Corinthians 11:23-26 / John 13:1-15

Be My Inheritance, Lord

I like the film Saving Private Ryan, a movie that presents a personal story against the enormous backdrop of the Normandy invasion in 1944. John presents the Last Supper against the enormous backdrop of a cosmic battle between good and evil, which Jesus will win on the cross.

In first-century Jerusalem, foot washing was usually done by a slave. The host would never do such a thing. Yet Jesus, the host, wraps a towel around his waist as a slave would and washes His disciples' feet. We gain an ''inheritance'' with Jesus, because He embraced a slave's death on the cross. Partially understanding this, Peter says in exuberance, ''Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.''

Prayer: Master, thank You for embracing the cross for my salvation.