Tag: Washing of the Feet

April 2, 2026 – Holy Thursday-Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040226-Supper.cfm)

Tonight, as we begin the Sacred Triduum, we gather not only to remember the Last Supper of Jesus, but to enter into its meaning. And we do this, as we carry the realities of our lives as Christians here in Marawi. Many of you have felt uncertainty in expressing your faith freely. There are moments of fear, of hesitation, even of silence. Indeed, in the past 4 Sundays, some of us have felt terrified of even coming to the chapel for our liturgical celebrations. Yet, we continue to worship, but sometimes with caution. Though, we continue to believe, but sometimes with heaviness in our heart.

And in such a situation, we may quietly ask, “Where is God? What power do we have as Christians in a place where we feel small, vulnerable, and sometimes even threatened?”

The Word of God being revealed tonight gives us a profound answer. It tells us that true power is neither found in control, nor in force, nor in dominance. Rather, true power is found in love that serves, and in humility that gives life.

In the Book of Exodus, we hear of the Passover. The people of Israel were weak, enslaved, and oppressed. They had no political power, no military strength. And yet, God saved them not through human force, but through God’s faithful presence. The lamb was sacrificed, the blood marked their homes, and that night became a passage from slavery to their freedom.

This tells us that God’s power is not always loud or visible, but it is always saving, always faithful, and always present.

In the Second Reading, St. Paul reminds us of what Jesus did on the night He was betrayed. He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body… This is my blood.” Jesus transformed an ordinary meal into the greatest act of self-giving love.

And then in the Gospel, we see something even more striking. Jesus, the Lord and Master, knelt down and washed the feet of His disciples. Let us pause here for a moment.

Jesus had power. He knew who He was. He knew where He came from and where He was going. And yet, He chose to serve. He chose to kneel. Jesus chose to love in the most humble and concrete way.

This brings us to the heart of our reflection tonight. We ask, “What is power, then?”

Power is the ability to influence, to create, and to transform. It can be used for good or for evil. When expressed through love, it becomes service and self-giving. But when used wrongly, it becomes control, manipulation, abuse, and even destruction.

Each of us carries power. As long as we live in community, we influence others. Our thoughts, our emotions, and our actions affect the people around us. In our families, in our workplaces, in our communities and even in our silence, we shape the lives of others.

And this is where the danger lies. When we become insecure, when we forget who we are, and so, we begin to misuse power. We will try to compensate. We will try to dominate. And we will try to protect ourselves at the expense of others. This is how relationships are broken. And this is how communities are wounded.

We see this clearly in Judas. The Gospel tells us that the devil had already influenced him. His heart was already leaning toward darkness. He thought that his actions would bring him gain, security, perhaps control. But in reality, he was being manipulated. He was no longer free. Judas was no longer himself.

This is the power of evil. It slowly pulls us away from light, disguising itself as advantage, until we find ourselves lost, and away from the grace of God

But here is the beautiful and powerful truth also of tonight. Remember, even in that moment of betrayal, Jesus did not withdraw His love. Rather, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples including Judas. Jesus offered His body and blood to all of them, even the one who would betray Him.

And this is the power of God – a love that does not exclude, mercy that does not withdraw, and service that does not count the cost.

Friends, this is the power given to us as Christians. Not the power to dominate. Not even the power to retaliate. But the power to love, to serve, and to remain faithful even in difficulty and in the midst of threats.

And tonight, this becomes very concrete in the washing of the feet. Those whose feet will be washed come from different walks of life, young and old, civilians and uniformed personnel. This is not accidental. This is the Gospel made visible to us as a Christian community here in Marawi.

Because the call to love and serve is not limited by status, role, or identity. Every person, regardless of who they are, is called to share in this life-giving power of Christ.

In a place where we sometimes feel divided, misunderstood, or even threatened, Jesus shows us another way: to build relationships, to affirm dignity, and to serve one another in humility.

Indeed, as Christians here in Marawi, our faith may feel small but it is not powerless. Remember, every act of kindness is power. Every moment of patience is also power. Every choice to forgive, to serve, and to remain faithful is the power of God at work in us and through us.

As we enter the Triduum, we are invited to examine ourselves too. How do I use the power given to me? Do I build, or do I destroy? Do I serve, or do I control? Tonight, Jesus kneels before us not only to wash our feet, but to teach our hearts.

And so, let me leave you with two simple and concrete invitations.

First, choose one act of humble service each day. It may be small as you help someone, or in listening patiently, in offering time but do it with love. This is how God’s power flows through you.

Second, examine your heart each night. Ask yourself: Did my words and actions today give life or cause pain? Then, ask for grace to love better the next day.

Indeed, the world may define power in many ways. But tonight, Jesus shows us the truth that the greatest power is love that gives life. And when we live this kind of power, even in weakness, even in fear, even in our uncertainties we become instruments of God’s life in the world today. Hinaut pa.