On Holy Thursday, Jesus reminds us of a constant truth, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge said in his homily at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper March 28 at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington. “We are powerfully reminded of that same truth, one we can easily forget, doubt, or take for granted: Jesus loves you.”
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper marks the start of Triduum and commemorates Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood. Bishop Burbidge reminded the faithful in his homily that Jesus instituted the Eucharist and the priesthood as a gift of his love to the church.
Just as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, each one of us should serve one another, Bishop Burbidge said. “We know that many people are suffering with distress and anxiety, mental health issues, feeling alone and sometimes afraid. We wash their feet when we make time for them, when we visit them, call them, console them, including our own family members and friends and parishioners,” he said.
“We are living in a time where there is much conflict and division. We wash the feet of one another when we are peacemakers, when we are willing to listen respectfully, even with those who may disagree with us, when we do not judge the hearts of other people, knowing that only God is aware of what is deep within. We wash the feet of one another, when like Jesus from the cross, we forgive, even those who have hurt, offended or even rejected us.”
Bishop Burbidge celebrated the Mass in Burke Hall due to renovations underway at the cathedral. He commemorated Jesus’ washing the feet of his 12 disciples by washing the feet of 12 seminarians.
Following the prayer after Communion, Bishop Burbidge processed the Eucharist around Burke Hall to the altar of repose as the choir sang, “Stay Here and Keep Watch.” The faithful knelt and prayed in silence before the Blessed Sacrament.
