April 9, 2009   Cycle B

Exodus 12:1-8,11-14   1 Corinthians 11:23-26

John 13:1-15

Once upon a time the Mayor and the people of a large city decided that they had had enough of the poor and the needy.  They determined, that if the poor could not make it on their own without help, they should leave their city and go somewhere else.

And so there was a great exodus from the city.  All the bridges, tunnels and piers were jammed with the departing poor.  As they walked or limped along, they pushed their carts of precious little things.

And when the poor had all departed, God looked around and saw that those who remained in the city breathed a sigh of relief.  They could enjoy their precious little things in peace, with out the burden of care for the destitute and the poor. 

Then God, in deep sorrow, intent on compassion, began to gather his own precious little things so God could journey with those who had been chased from the city. 

And it came to pass that when God had gathered up the sunlight and the rain, the seed bearing earth and the life-giving air, God wept over the city and departed, pushing His own cart of precious little things.  And the city was no more.

Tonight as we come, male and female, rich and poor, able and challenged, we realize that we all share the same dignity as sons and daughters of the God of all that is good.  This meal of thanksgiving that we have been called to share is a reminder of the deeper communion that Jesus instructed His disciples about on the night of the Passover.  He offered hospitality and service to those who were with Him as he got up from the meal and performed that gesture of foot washing.  The washing of the disciple’s feet was Jesus’ sign of His deep love for them and what He was about to do for humankind. 

The Holy Thursday ceremonies are always a reminder of our care for one another emphasized in the foot washing ceremony that takes place tonight.  This is to be not a burden, or an imposition, but rather an opportunity to express our gratitude for the generous God and the “precious little things” that God has given us.

Communion is more than people sharing the life of God.  It is also truly sharing life among them.  The men and women of that large city in our story obviously did not comprehend that.  But it is no wonder, for Jesus Himself had spent those years of His own ministry on earth instructing His own disciples through both word and example.  He called on all of His disciples to spread the same word about what He had taught and done.  And He continues tonight to ask us who are His followers, to do as He did.  The Eucharist in which we share is more than a ritual.  It is a way of living and sharing.

Our gathering for Eucharist is thus both a reenactment of the Last Supper and a symbol of our unity as followers of Jesus Christ.  As we leave the Eucharist tonight and spend some time in Adoration, we then go forth to bring the love of God and His service to others.Amen.  Amen.Msgr. Tom Adrians, PastorChrist the King