Jesus’ parting gift
The Lenten season that began on Ash Wednesday is coming to a close but not before reminding us of the fast-changing circumstances in the last days of Jesus’ life leading to His death. The whole Christian community around the world observes two significant events on Holy Thursday. One is the washing of the feet during the Last Supper and second is the institution of the Eucharist.
For theological reflections as well as for the foundation of one’s faith both of these are vital. There are different interpretations of the unprecedented act of the Master himself bending low to wash the disciples’ feet. They in turn are astounded and when Peter protests, Jesus tells him, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me” (John 13: 8). The part Jesus wanted the disciples to have was of self-giving in humble service, especially for those who don’t enjoy an equal or higher status in society than you. It is easy for people to serve their masters but who thinks of serving those considered below one’s own rank? It is a service in which roles are completely reversed.
If washing of feet was the parting lesson Jesus wished to leave for his followers for all ages to come, then the parting “gift”, which followed soon after, was even more awesome. Jesus devised a unique way of leaving “gift” for the believers. Unlike other gifts, it was not a “gift” that would bring material wealth or respectable posts in society or government. For, he had said once earlier, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35). This exceptional “gift” was going to be of Jesus himself. So as He sat down he took bread, broke it and, giving to his disciples, said, “Take, this is my body which will be given up for you.” In the same way he took the chalice and giving it to his disciples said, “Take, this is my blood which will be shed for you and for many.”
Since Jesus’ life was not supposed to end with his death on the Cross the next day, He wanted His living presence to remain with His followers for ever, not through a complicated web of activities but by the simple celebration of the Last Supper or the Eucharist. Therefore, in each Eucharistic meal, which is celebrated in many Churches around the world daily, the event of Jesus’ sacrificial death, of his broken body and his shedding of the blood on the cross, is re-enacted, making it possible for believers to receive that “gift” of Jesus himself that he left for all his followers on Holy Thursday.
Christians believe that it is Jesus’ death and his resurrection from the dead, made easily available through the Eucharist, which assures them of their salvation.
Father Dominic Emmanuel is the director of communication of the Delhi Catholic Church.
He can be contacted at frdominic@gmail.com
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