Love and Sevice

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032813-evening-mass-lords-supper.cfm)  reminds me of the importance of Love and Service.

Today, I was blessed to be able to attend the Lord’s Supper Mass officiated by Manila Archbishop Chito Cardinal Tagle, and he discussed the importance of love and service going hand in hand.

The first reading reminds us of the feast of the Passover – where the angel of death “passed over” those with whose houses that have the blood of the lamb. The second reading tells us that Jesus is the new lamb, whose blood he gave up freely so we will not die of sin, so he can save us.

The gospel tells us what Jesus told his disciples when he was about to pass over, when he was about to die to save us. He wanted them to remember two things – Love and Service.

Jesus loves us that is why he gave up his life freely to save us from our sins. He loves the Father so much that he submitted to his will, even if it meant it would be painful, even if it meant that he would be separated from the Father.

At that time, washing of the feet is done by slaves. In fact, not all slaves – only the lowest of the slaves. That is how lowly a task it is. During that time, people would walk a lot, so the feet are the most abused and dirty part of the body. That is why it’s given to the lowest of slaves. However, Jesus, the teacher and master of the disciples, washed their feet. He showed them humility. He showed them service. He showed them what it will entail to work for God.

Love and service should go together. Profession of love is easy, however, translating it to action is a different story. We need to walk the talk, to live our profession of love to God and to others. Also, service should be rooted in love. Working is not enough. Actions are not enough. You can work for God without wanting to, without the heart to. That’s why some people serve with a heavy heart, with a frown on their face. Love and service should always be together.

May we be inspired by Jesus to love and serve others with our lives.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me the importance of love and of service. Thank you for challenging me to love and serve you and others in my life. Lord, may I always have the heart to love you and others, and may I always translate that into service, into action. That everything I do for you be rooted in love, and may I bring you to others as I serve them. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-