Cycle A Maundy Thursday



Ex. 12:1-8, 11-14; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; Jn. 13:1-15
It is the desire of man to leave behind something to commemorate his achievements. Thus after every great victory the Greek constructed trophy in the battle field. ." In ancient Greece, trophies reflected victory in war, and were created on the battlefield at the place
where the enemy had been defeated. These trophies included captured arms and standards, and were hung upon a tree or a large stake made to resemble the figure of a warrior. They were inscribed with details of the battle and were dedicated to gods.  The deliberate destruction of a trophy was considered a sacrilege since it was given in thanks and tribute to a god.
Among unique memorials of Rome Mausoleum of Augustus stands out. This large tomb complex was one of the first projects started by Roman Emperor Augustus after his victory over combined forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra in 31 BC. Mausoleum construction was completed in 28 BC. This large tomb complex was 295 feet in diameter by 137 feet in height. Mausoleum had circular shape with concentric rings and a conical roof upon which Romans set up a huge status of Augustus.
In the ancient world, every emperor desired to leave something behind him as a memorial. But time and people turned them into a place of ruins.
In the history of the world there is only one King who could leave behind him a living monument. Only Jesus, the King of Kings could achieve the impossible for the mortal kings. For the last two thousand years He continues his physical presence among his people in the Eucharist. Today we commemorate the great event of the establishment of the Eucharist and the great principle of the King of Kings that Authority is for service, and the concrete example set before us by washing the feet of His disciples.
In human history all the kings have been served by their attenders; and no king has ever served his attenders. All the kings have been obeyed by their subjects, and no king was commanded by his subjects. All the kings pronounced judgment on the subjects, and no king allowed himself to be judged by his subjects. But it was not the same with the King of Kings. He served His fellowmen.  He washed the feet of his disciples. He obeyed his subjects. He allowed Himself to be judged by His creation. Thus He rose to a great heights and set very high standards for His followers which can never be surpassed by any human being.
So today we commemorate three great events. The establishment of Eucharist. The Establishment of Priesthood and the revolutionary event of washing of the feet of His disciples.
At the Last Supper Jesus put an end to the Old Covenant of the Law that God the Father had made with the Jewish people and the New Covenant of grace was made. The New Covenant of God with mankind opened the door to the Kingdom of Heaven to all those who have faith in Jesus Christ and receive the Sacrament of Baptism. [Jn. 3:5, 7] From the event of the Last Supper, we learn that all believers are called to actively participate in the celebration of the Holy Mass and to receive the Sacrament of the Holy Communion in remembrance of Him.
This privilege of celebration of the Eucharist is entrusted to the weak human beings. This is a gift that is envied even by the angels. The Holy writings describe that thousands of Cherubim and Seraphim stand at the feet of Jesus to carry out His commands. But none of them is given the great gift of celebrating the Eucharist and pronounce the words of Jesus. Jesus comes down and dwells with us when the priest pronounces the words, “This is my body” and “This is my blood.” Along with the priests as every Christian has a share in this gift, a Christian must have certain qualities. During today's reading from the Gospel of John, [Jn. 13:1-15] we learn about them. We must be humble. We must be ready to sacrifice our valuable time towards the needs of others. We must shine in love towards others as Jesus did when He have His life for us. We must serve others as Christ did when He humbled Himself to serve His disciples by washing their feet. Jesus' message to us today is that we should serve others as true Christians. But today we live in a world where “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” Says Leo Tolstoy.
The example set by Jesus demands us to begin. “Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.”  After long days of fasting and prayer we have come back to the Lord’s Table with an open receptive mind. It is the right time to begin anew. Or contribution may be insignificant. But they are our contributions. Edmund Burke says, “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.”  “Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light.” Teaches Norman B. Rice
Jesus is ever present with us to assist us in our attempts to begin to be good. “Being good is commendable, but only when it is combined with doing good is it useful.” So, let us begin to do good as we can.
Satish