Rev. Daniel E. Pilarczyk

Of all that happened on the day before his death, the Church wants us to be most conscious of the care and affection for his own that Jesus expressed in the humble gesture of washing the disciples’ feet.

We don’t know why there has to be suffering in our lives, but we know that God is powerful enough to bring blessing from our suffering, even as God brought salvation through the suffering of Jesus.

At some time or other all of us have betrayed Jesus. But he has always been willing to take us back–always willing to forgive. For that we owe him our thanks.

In today’s reading, Jesus is at a dinner given by his friends Martha and Mary and Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. The Jewish leaders plan to kill Jesus, and Lazarus too.

Jesus’ continued dedication to the Father’s plan of salvation would make up for the sins of the world. There would be a whole new relationship between God and God’s human creature.

We are children of God through the power of the Father working in us. As we approach Holy Week, God’s word makes clear who Jesus is, and invites us to remember who we are.

Today’s responsorial refrain highlights God’s faithfulness. The promises God made are fulfilled differently now than they were at the beginning, but the Lord is still with us faithfully and forever.