HOMILY HOLY THURSDAY 2025
SERVICE IN HUMILITY
BREAKING THE BREAD AND SHARING THE CUP
WASHING THE FEET
Jn 13.1-15 Ex 12.1-8,11-14 1Cor 11.23-26
Once more we gather as a community of friends, reminded that it’s not just for receiving Jesus in the Eucharist for our spiritual renewal and strength, but also to remind us that this is intimately linked with the call to service of each other and beyond.
“Are you better off than you were 3 years ago?” This is one of the questions being asked out there at present. Yet I believe it is the wrong question to ask, as the more appropriate question could well be, is our society in a better state, as time goes by, particularly in terms of heading for a better world for our children and future generations, on this finite planet?
One of this evening’s key themes is about looking beyond self, as Jesus calls us his friends, and then challenges us to continue his ministry of service in humility and love.
Here we pause to reflect on the actions of Jesus as we think about our responsibility to follow his example, not in literal terms of washing feet, but in the way we look out for each other and those in need. It is said that the custom of washing of feet in Jesus’ day was also an expression of hospitality and welcome. And surely that’s the spirit we should show as a faith community, as expressed on our parish 100th anniversary plaque, in the front foyer. It’s not just a pious thought, but a statement of active mission for us all to take to heart.
Once again, the Da Vinci Last Supper masterpiece of around 1495, comes to mind, and the many variations of art forms taking up that theme, with the apostles surrounding Jesus, as he breaks the bread, shares the cup, and gives them, what we might call, final orders. It is renowned for depicting the critical moment after Jesus has spoken of his impending betrayal.
(Let’s just take a look at a few variations on this theme, from Renaissance Art to Dali to Warhol to portrayal of street children with Jesus, then images copied in butter, chocolate, lint, rubik’s cubes. stamps, thread, toast, vegetables!!)
The more contemporary Salvador Dali version of 1955, titled “The Sacrament of the Last Supper” is also a reminder of the enduring theme of Jesus breaking bread with his disciples, in a symbolic representation of the Eucharistic meal. And this, before sending them out, with the assurance his presence would endure, despite the humiliation to soon come.
From the events of one night has followed a continuous tradition of Christian practice down through 2000+ years, where the washing of the feet by Jesus, contrasts with the ensuing washing of the hands by Pilate, who wants to pass the buck as fast as he can. Yet he clearly knows Jesus is the unjustly charged innocent and good man, who has done no wrong, except to upset and threaten the religious authorities of the day. (There was once a parish priest who suggested washing of the hands instead of the feet, but I think that would have given the wrong message, wouldn’t it?)
This evening’s readings remind us of the continuity between Jewish tradition and beliefs and the Christian context, where we commemorate now the events of Passover, and remember the Exodus story. The Israelites believed their God was guiding them all through the hard times, although many doubted and even lost faith along the way.
Then we have Paul reminding the Corinthians, in what is thought to be the earliest account of the words and actions of Jesus, that gathering for Eucharist was not consistent with some of their behaviour, where he has heard reports of divisive factions, leaving out the poor and the hungry, and being overindulgent.
So often in our world today we see injustices ongoing, with people, particularly women and children, caught up in the midst of conflict, through no fault of their own, and young men, being forced into military conflicts, for which they have no responsibility.
We can feel powerless to do anything in such matters, or other areas of need on the global scene, but we can make a difference by our support for Project Compassion, as one way of providing some support to those in need, as a result of the injustices we see and hear about. This is one means of practical service. We’re not into washing feet literally, but take to heart the symbolism of responding to need, in ways where we can, as open, welcoming and inclusive friends of Jesus, and looking behind self-interest.
On this occasion, I like to point to concrete examples of people of faith, service and humility. This year I refer to 2 priests, of 60 years or so, who have died in recent months, Len Thomas and Peter Carrucan.
Len worked in parish and later on, in mental health ministry for 20 years, and I quote from his story “Free to be Priest”: “Very often people free me to be priest. To listen, to feel the pain. To her the need of the moment. I’ve learnt to wait and listen. To be invited. And to be welcoming… The trick is to focus on the ability, not the disability… Mentally hurt people have abilities along with their disability. They demonstrate that we are all equal, made in God’s image. Despite disabilities, we can free each other and teach each other…”.
Peter was PP at Belgrave during the terrible Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983, and was heavily involved in helping co-ordinate community services and practical relief in the aftermath, not just with the Catholics, but the wider community as well. Later on, as PP at South St Albans for 18 years or so, until retirement, and beyond, he was not only a committed and effective pastor to his people, but also engaged with the incoming Sudanese community, making them feel welcome and included in the local scene, both parish and broader community. Here’s the spirit of Holy Thursday continuing!
john hannon 18th April 2025
Now, a few weeks ago, I was accosted by 2 friendly, but concerned, parishioners who warned me against washing the feet again this Holy Thursday! While no-one mentioned it to me after last year’s effort, the perception was that I was struggling and in pain, as I moved along the sanctuary from one pair of feet to the next! While I thought I was happily smiling, I could only reassure them that I was in no pain at all, and that my hip replacement was still going well after 21 years. It couldn’t be denied that I might have looked awkward, but that’s my nature!!
Whatever, they then sternly informed me that I was a terrible distraction to those present as I staggered along on my hands and knees! The last thing I want to do is provide a spectacle that distracts you from your prayers and quiet reflection, so this evening I have acceded to continuing the custom, but with one chair, and rotating ‘apostles’ coming to me!!
So now for the musical chairs for washing the feet in one spot!