Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Most of us have heard the expression, “it’s the little things that count.” How often does this prove to be the case, when those extra little efforts of courtesy, kindness, and sensitivity make a big difference for someone going through difficult times? Small acts of kindness speak volumes about what is going on in the heart. All of this is an introductory thought to the main theme of today’s Gospel. Perhaps the image of your pastor washing the feet of the selected parishioners on Holy Thursday evening is still very vivid in your mind. This beautiful gesture of kindness, respect, and appreciation flows from what Jesus did for his apostles at the Last Supper, even though He knew their faults and limitations.
I would like to point out a powerful “little thing” which is found exactly in the middle of what Jesus calls the New Commandment. “Love one another as I have loved you.” It’s the little two-letter word “as” which is the critical fulcrum that determines how we are to love our neighbor. The tiny word “as” becomes a kind of drill sergeant pointing out the uncompromising standard and challenge to know the New Commandment and put it into practice. Left to our own efforts and goodwill, we will fail many times. But if the word “as” points us to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, then He will help us to do our very best to love “as” He has shown us.
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections