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Tag: Last Supper

  • The Power of Self-Giving and the Power of Loving

    The Power of Self-Giving and the Power of Loving

    April 17, 2025 – Mass of the Lord’s Last Supper and Washing of Feet

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041725-Supper.cfm)

    What power do we have us humans? How is power manifested in our relationships? What power do we actually have and called to develop?

    Power is an ability to influence, to create and transform. It can be either positive or negative. When power is expressed as a positive force via affirmation, then, power builds respect. When it is expressed through love, then, power transforms into service and giving of oneself. However, when power is expressed as a negative force, it leads to coercion, manipulation, abuse, violence and even to death

    Each of us is a bundle of energy, of power. We possess power as long as we live with others because power can only exist and be exercised in the context of our community. Hence, power is entirely about relationship because power is an exercise of influence. This can be realized only in the context of community.

    We remind ourselves that it is also in the context of our relationships that we discover who we are, our talents and capacities, strengths and potentials, as well as our weaknesses and limitations. It is in the community that we also understand ourselves the “I am.” I am – is the uniqueness of the person whatever his or her status in life. Our person regardless of our social standing, sexual orientation, age, educational attainment or role in the family or community, is called by the Lord to share in God’s fullness of life, living in a community. Our person also is gifted with THINKING, FEELING, and ACTING. These are forms of power which can be expressed positively or negatively within our community

    Our thinking, feeling and acting can, indeed, influence others. Through thinking we create ideas, we make plans and decisions. Through feeling or emotions, our thinking and acting are influenced. Our feeling may dictate our thinking and in the process also affect our actions. Through our actions we initiate movements that may directly and indirectly affect our environment, which include the people around us.

    Thus, when we become anxious of ourselves and less aware of who we are, there is a tendency of insecurity. Insecurity leads us to compensations. This means that what is lacking in us, we try to compensate in other forms. For example, a child who is abused physically or verbally at home, may tend to be a bully at school to exercise dominance. Or a person who is deprived of things, like food, toys, and clothes at home may tend to become a hoarder later on. The person will try to collect and possess more, to feel some sense of security. While trying to satisfy himself/herself, the person may in turn deprive others too.

    These are expressions of power that are also being unfolded as we begin the Paschal Triduum of Christ beginning tonight and will culminate in the Resurrection of Christ.

    Yet, for now, what I want to focus more is on how power in its positive and negative forms give influence to people and transform us. It is good then, that we become aware on how the power of Satan suppresses life and how the Power of God gives life.

    Let us look first at the power of Satan and on how it controls and brings death. The Gospel of John clearly tells us that the devil had already induced Judas, to hand Jesus over. In the same Gospel, it was also described that as soon as Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him (John 13:27).

    The intentions of the heart and actions of Judas were already leaning towards the evil spirit. Thus, it was easy for Satan to get hold of Judas and bring him deeper into darkness and sin. This was how the devil influenced the mind, decisions and actions of Judas.

    Judas must have thought that his desires and longings will be fulfilled through these actions and decisions of him. Yet, he was wrong. He was controlled and manipulated. He was not himself anymore. Judas was in total darkness. Satan was controlling him, perhaps, even without fully realizing that the evil spirit was already manipulating him farther away from the grace and light of Jesus and closer to darkness and death. This led him to his pitiful death. This is how the power of Satan controls us and brings us farther away from the grace of God.

    However, let us also not forget how Jesus turned upside down this terrible event. Even though that happened to Judas, but Jesus turned that night of betrayal and pain through the power of love and mercy.

    This was described to us as Jesus assumed the humble position of washing the feet of his disciples. It was power expressed through service and humility. Jesus tells us that being a person with power as an authority figure or leader is not about controlling others or manipulating others.

    As Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, he gives a model of a life-giving way of expressing power. This is through service and love, ANG PAG-ALAGAD UG PAGHIGUGMA. This tells us too that the power of being a Christian is our the capacity to serve and love without pretention, without manipulation and that does not count the cost. Christian Discipleship is indeed a form of power, a life-giving power.

    This call and invitation to exercise power as a Christian Disciple today applies to all, regardless of our age, gender and sexual orientation, social status, educational attainment or state in life. We shall witness this at how our community is represented by men and women from various sectors at the Washing of the Feet.

    Indeed, to be a disciple of Christ is to give life just as Jesus gives his life for us. And this is the true expression of power which is sacramentally given to us through the shared meal on that Last Supper of Jesus. This is what we powerfully remember today.

    It cannot be denied that at the Last Supper of Jesus, his Body and Blood were given also to a disciple, a friend and a companion who betrayed him on that night. Yes, even Judas was in that meal. He too received the body and blood of Jesus even though he was not in the “state of grace.” Jesus gave and offered his body and blood for Judas and for us who are also potential Judases[1] today. This is the power of forgiveness, the power of unconditional love, the power self-giving. This is the power of God.

    As we enter into the Paschal Triduum, let us also allow the power of serving, of loving, of caring and of compassion to be the very power we express in our relationships, in our roles and leadership, and in our life through our thinking, feeling and acting. Let the power of God transform any forms of control, manipulation, and abuse into life and into love. Hinaut pa.

    [1] In the words of Bishop Pablo David, DD, Bishop of Kalookan.

    ***This homily was first preached on April 6, 2023.

  • The Power of the Washing of the Feet and of the Shared Meal

    The Power of the Washing of the Feet and of the Shared Meal

    April 6, 2023 – Mass of the Lord’s Last Supper and Washing of Feet

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040623-Supper.cfm)

    Power is an ability to influence, to create and transform. It can be either positive or negative. When power is expressed as a positive force via affirmation, then, power builds respect. When is expressed through love, then, power transforms into service and giving of oneself. However, when power is expressed as a negative force, it leads to coercion, manipulation, abuse, exploitation and even to death

    Each of us is a bundle of energy, of power. We possess power as long as we live with others because power can only exist and be exercised in the context of community. Hence, power is entirely about relationship because power is an exercise of influence, which can be realized only in the context of community.

    We remind ourselves that it is also in the context of our relationships that we discover who we are, our talents and capacities, strengths and potentials, as well as our weaknesses and limitations. It is in the community that we also understand ourselves the “I am.” I am – is the uniqueness of the person whatever his or her status in life. Our person regardless of our social standing, sexual orientation, age, educational attainment or role in the family or community, is called by the Lord to share in God’s fullness of life, living in a community. Our person also is gifted with THINKING, FEELING, and ACTING. These are forms of power which can be expressed positively or negatively within our community

    Our thinking, feeling and acting can, indeed, influence others. Through thinking we create ideas, we make plans and decisions. Through feeling or emotions, our thinking and acting can be influenced. Our feeling may dictate our thinking and in the process also affect our actions. Through our actions we initiate movements that may directly and indirectly affect our environment, which include the people around us.

    Thus, when we become anxious of ourselves and less aware and knowledgeable of who we are, there is a tendency of insecurity. Insecurity leads us to compensations, which means that what is lacking in us, we try to compensate in other forms. For example, a child who is abused physically or verbally at home, may tend to be a bully at school to exercise dominance. Or a person who is deprived of things, like food, toys, and clothes at home may tend to become a hoarder later on. The person will try to collect and possess more, to feel some sense of security. While trying to satisfy himself/herself, the person may in turn deprive others too.

    These are expressions of power that are also being unfolded as we begin the Paschal Triduum of Christ beginning today and will culminate in the Resurrection of Christ. Yet, for now, what I want to focus more is on how power in its positive and negative forms give influence to people and transform us. It is good then, that we become aware on how the power of Satan suppresses life and how the Power of God gives life.

    Let us look first at the power of Satan and on how it controls and brings death. The Gospel of John clearly tells us that the devil had already induced Judas, to hand Jesus over (John 13:2). In the same Gospel, it was also described that as soon as Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him (John 13:27). The intentions of the heart and actions of Judas were already leaning towards the evil spirit, hence, it was easy for Satan to get hold of Judas and bring him deeper into darkness and sin. This was how the devil influenced the mind, decisions and actions of Judas.

    Judas must have thought that his desires and longings will be fulfilled through these actions and decisions of him. Yet, he was wrong. He was controlled and manipulated. He was not himself anymore. Judas was in total darkness. Satan was controlling him, perhaps, even without fully realizing that the evil spirit was already manipulating him farther away from the grace and light of Jesus and closer to darkness and death. This led him to his pitiful death. This is how the power of Satan controls us and brings us farther away from the grace of God.

    However, let us also not forget how Jesus turned upside down this terrible event. Even though that happened to Judas, but Jesus turned that night of betrayal and pain through the power of love and mercy.

    This was described to us as Jesus assumed the humble position of washing the feet of his disciples. It was power expressed through service and humility. Jesus tells us that being a person with power as an authority figure or leader is not about controlling others or manipulating others.

    As Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, he gives a model of a life-giving way of expressing power and that is through service and love. This tells us too that the power of being a Christian is having the capacity to serve and love without pretention, without manipulation and that does not count the cost. Christian Discipleship is indeed a form of power, a life-giving power.

    This call and invitation to exercise power as a Christian Disciple applies to all, regardless of our age, gender and sexual orientation, social status, educational attainment or state in life. Indeed, to be a disciple of Christ is to give life just as Jesus gives his life for us. And this is the true expression of power which is sacramentally given to us through the shared meal on that Last Supper of Jesus. This is what we powerfully remember today.

    It cannot be denied that at the Last Supper of Jesus, his Body and Blood were given also to a disciple, a friend and a companion who betrayed him on that night. Yes, even Judas was in that meal. He too received the body and blood of Jesus even though he was not in the “state of grace.” Jesus gave and offered his body and blood for Judas and for us who are also potential Judases[1] today. This is the power of forgiveness, the power of unconditional love, the power self-giving. This is the power of God.

    As we enter into the Paschal Triduum, let us also allow the power of serving, of loving, of caring and of compassion to be the very power we express in our relationships, in our roles and leadership, and in our life through our thinking, feeling and acting. Let the power of God transform any forms of control, manipulation, and abuse into life and into love. Kabay pa.

    [1] In the words of Bishop Pablo David, DD, Bishop of Kalookan.

  • Making the Memory of Jesus ever alive in us

    Making the Memory of Jesus ever alive in us

    April 9, 2020 – Holy Thursday, Evening Mass of the Lord’s Passion

    Click here for the readings (http://cms.usccb.org/bible/readings/040920-lord-s-supper.cfm)

    Homily

    This mass and in fact every time we celebrate the mass, it is so special because it has something to do with “our memory “that has been handed down to us from the first generation of disciples of Jesus. And not just “our memory” but also of “God’s memory of us.” 

    The Eucharist, which actually means “Thanksgiving,” was made by Jesus in order to celebrate friendship. He was with his disciples to eat the Passover Meal, a ritual that remembers and reenacts the ‘passing over of the Lord’ when the blood of the lamb was applied at the door posts of the Hebrews. Because of that blood, the Lord passed over the houses of His people and stroke down the oppressive Egyptians. 

    With this celebration which Jesus made his relationship with his disciples into a new and higher form of relationship. This was Jesus’ way of being more intimate with his friends by becoming food for them and now for us.

    There are three points that I would like to invite you to reflect on. Let us see and discern then, on how Jesus calls us on this celebration of the Last Supper.

    First, “what we eat is what we become.” It is the desire of Jesus that as we receive him as our food in word and flesh (in the form of bread and wine) that we become more like him. 

    Second, it is also the desire of Jesus that as he becomes part of us, and one in us, then, hopefully, each of us will recognize his presence among ourselves – that is, by being able to recognize in my sister and brother the person of Jesus.

    Third, it is also the desire of Jesus to make him not just a mere memory of a distant past but to make him a powerful memory that transforms our present. Jesus asks us, “Do this in memory of me!” or basically means, “Always do this to remember me.”

    Here is the power of memory or of our consciousness. As humans, we always treasure our memories. We take photos or videos of events in our life to preserve those important moments.

    Our memory is also what makes us more human and even on what makes us “who we are today.” My memory of the past, is what makes me ‘who I am today’ because my very identity, culture, belief, relationships and history are all there in the treasured memories. However, if I will lose my memory, then, I will also lose myself. I will be a madman who is detached from what is in the present because of a lost memory.

    However, more than our own human memory, we are also in God’s eternal memory. Indeed, by doing what Jesus asks us, God also remembers us. Yes, God remembers us as his people whom he loves and cherishes despite our failures and unfaithfulness. God remembers us because we are part of God and God is among and with us.

    These three desires of Jesus for us bring us into his invitation today and that is to be able to serve one another through a self-sacrificing, loving and generous service. This is symbolized in the washing of the feet where it was the master himself who washed the disciples’ feet. 

    Jesus showed to us that loving entails humility, by bending down towards the level of those whom we might think as lower than us. By washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus showed that loving is not “power-over.” Jesus tells us then, that in loving we do not take control over the other, not even to exercise manipulation. Jesus shows us that loving is a form of sacrifice where we need to strip ourselves with those things that might prevent us from truly relating with others.

    Jesus removed his outer garments and had a towel on his waist. We too are invited to let go of our biases, judgments and condemnations against others, whoever they may be – a family member, relative, friend, co-worker, employee or stranger.

    Thus, by washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus empowers them and us today to become his presence in the very context where we are at this very moment. It means that if you are a parent, husband or wife, a son or daughter, you are called to exercise such love and service in your family. Are you a professional or student? Then you too are called to love and serve others within your environment. Are you exercising authority or a leader in a company or community? Then, you too are called to become Jesus’ presence in your own sphere of influence.

    The very situation we are in now can be a wonderful opportunity for us to serve and love others. Thus, we commend and express also our gratitude to the many medical frontliners who have given their lives for others. There are already many doctors, nurses and other medical staff who lost their lives from fighting the virus. The many sacrifices of these people make the presence of Jesus alive in our community.

    Hopefully, by becoming the presence of Jesus to one another, then, we too shall be able to fulfill also the call of Jesus in his Last Supper, “Do this in memory of me.” In this way, we make Jesus ever alive in us by allowing the grace of Eucharist to transform us including our thoughts, words and actions, the very sign that God is with us because He himself always remembers us. Hinaut pa.

    Jom Baring, CSsR

  • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

    THE HOLY EUCHARIST

    April 9, 2020 – Holy Thursday, Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

    Click here for the readings (http://cms.usccb.org/bible/readings/040920-lord-s-supper.cfm)

    Homily

    Typically, around four in the afternoon, I usually go to the kitchen. I customarily look and eat for a little bowl of rice as well as any dish left from our lunch. Yet, in this time of quarantine due to COVID 19, we have limited stocks. And, we rarely have leftover from lunch. It is quite a struggle for me, as I would feel hungry.  : )

    Nowadays, it is common to see in the news people cueing long lines just to buy food. Others are waiting to receive food packs from the ration. If not, they would go to their barangay halls and would ask their officials for it. Hence, this limitation to have sufficient food makes us realize its importance. Food is life, right?

    This situation also happens in our Eucharist. Our churches don’t have public masses due to COVID 19, a lot of people now realize its importance. A number of them crave for it, especially in this time of Holy Week. Recently, I become aware that some of my friends would set their notifications to know the schedules for our live streaming masses. (Kaya, wag na nating hintayin na tuluyang mawala pa para malaman mo na mahalaga pala. #hugot.) 

    Indeed, the Eucharist is food. It is our food for our soul. That is why, among the seven major sacraments, it is the only one that we celebrate daily. It is for the reason that it is the source of our Christian life. It energizes our mind and spirit. (So, Eucharist is lifer, diba?)

    Tonight we celebrate the Holy Thursday Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. At this moment, we commemorate the mystery of the institution of the Eucharist.  We don’t only remember the tradition of the new Passover of Jesus, but we also make it a present reality. It is because, in the Eucharist, Jesus himself becomes the sacrificial Lamb. It is his own body and blood being offered for our salvation. Jesus also becomes the bread, as we have heard in the Second Reading, from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians. He clearly said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 

    True enough, the Eucharist is Jesus Christ himself. So, every time we take the Eucharist, we received the source of life and grace. Every time we take the Eucharist, we received the source of our growth in faith, hope, and charity. Every time we take the Eucharist, we share the divinity of Christ Jesus, who humbled himself to share in our humanity. So, you and I become one with Jesus. We are in communion with Him.

    Yet, we don’t just stop there receiving Him. In today’s gospel, as Jesus instituted the Eucharist, He also instituted priesthood together His commandment of service and love. We have heard how Jesus humbled himself and washed the feet of the disciples. This act serves as a reminder for us to love and to serve one another, as he said: “I have given you a model to follow so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” 

    My brothers and sisters, we are commissioned by Jesus to become priests and servants for His people in His kingdom. By our baptism, we shared the office of the priesthood of Christ. It means you and I are called to pray, to serve, and to pastor others. In this trying times, Jesus invites us to pray for those afflicted with COVID disease that they may have hope and experience healing. We are also called to generously serve for those who are exhausted in helping others, such as medical frontliners and government workers. Further, we are called to pastor for those who have lost their faith because of suffering and of death of their loved ones.

    In this mass, we ask for the grace of becoming like Jesus, the Eucharist. We pray that we, like a little bowl of leftovers, may still become a nourishing sacrament that brings faith for those broken-hearted, brings hope for those who are sick, and brings charitable love for those living in darkness. Amen.

    Shared by Rev. Joey Valross Trillo, CSsR