Holy Thursday Homily & Reflections

Theme: “Kneeling Love, Broken Bread”
Jubilee Year Focus: “Hope Does Not Disappoint” (Romans 5:5)
Readings: Exodus 12:1–8, 11–14 | Psalm 116 | 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 | John 13:1–15


Tonight we begin the sacred Triduum with Holy Thursday, the evening when Jesus gathered His disciples and gave us two priceless gifts: the Eucharist and the command to serve. This is not just the story of what Jesus did then, but a blueprint of how we should live now.

A little boy once said: “Jesus washed feet? Yoh! My sister won’t even touch my socks!” And yet, that’s exactly what God did. He bent down, not to be worshipped, but to wash. That’s divine love.

In Exodus, the Israelites ate with their sandals on and staffs in hand—ready to move. The meal was not just nourishment; it was liberation.

In Corinthians, Paul reminds us that this night is when Jesus said: “This is my body… this is my blood”. Not as metaphor, but as gift.

And in the Gospel, Jesus takes off His outer garment and washes the feet of His friends—even Judas. This is not weakness. This is love in action. He tells us: “As I have done for you, you must also do.”

The Eucharist is not a private moment. It is public, powerful, and prophetic. We are fed so that we can feed. We are loved so that we can love. Jesus gives Himself fully, and He asks us to do the same.

Question for Reflection
- Whose feet am I being called to wash today? 

- Who do I find difficult to serve, and what might God be asking of me this Holy Week?

Daily Practical Application

  • Serve someone quietly today.

  • Share a meal with someone who might be lonely.

  • Let love take the lead—even if it feels uncomfortable.

If you feel overlooked or unworthy tonight, know that Jesus kneels before you too. He washes not only feet but fears. His love is personal and powerful.

What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?

  • Start a table ministry or open your home to share meals.

  • Volunteer in a way that meets people at their most human.

  • Offer time, energy, or kindness to someone hurting.

ZA
We are a people who know how to serve through struggle. The dignity of our gogos, the strength of our youth leaders, the faith of our rural communities—they all reflect this kneeling love. Let us honour that today by washing feet in our own way.

Inspiration Quote
“Jesus didn’t just break bread. He broke pride. He broke barriers. And He built love on His knees.”

To walk as a Pilgrim of Hope is to carry a towel, not a title. It is to look for the weary and kneel beside them. It is to feed those who hunger not just for bread, but for belonging.

Lord Jesus,
You bent down to wash feet,
You lifted bread to feed hearts.
Help me to love like You,
To serve without condition,
To give with joy.
Make me a pilgrim of hope,
this night and always.
Amen.

Reflection Before Foot Washing
As we prepare to wash feet tonight, let us pause and remember: This is not just ritual, but revolution.

It is love that kneels. It is God who serves. And it is you and I who are called to do the same.

Let every towel remind us that no one is beneath our love, and no one is beyond God’s mercy.

Jesus, You knelt before Your disciples, even those who would deny and betray You.
Tonight, help me kneel before my neighbour—not with fear, but with compassion.
May this act soften my heart and stir my spirit to serve.
Amen.

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