Every Christian is familiar with this iconic saying from Jesus as recorded in today’s Gospel of Saint John: I am the way, the truth, and the light. Indeed, Jesus is the way or the model for how we are called to live each day.

I write this reflection in the middle of Holy Week. In a few days, we will celebrate Easter and the Resurrection feast. There are two stories that, in a clear, tangible way, portray the mind and heart of Jesus for me: one before the passion and one after the resurrection.

The first is a story within a story that we celebrate on Holy Thursday. Before reclining for the “last supper,” Jesus took off his outer garment, filled a basin with water, and began to wash the feet of each of the disciples. Here, the teacher washes the feet of each of his students. Jesus then says to them – and to each of us – no matter your status in life, serve one another as I have served you. Jesus then says a few minutes later, I have given you a model to follow.

Following the resurrection, Peter and six other disciples were out fishing. On the shore stood Jesus, but they did not recognize him. He yelled to them to put their nets in another spot. Having filled their nets, they finally got onto the shore. There, Jesus was grilling bread and fish over a charcoal fire. “Come, have some breakfast,” he said. The “resurrected one” was again serving his friends.

How might each of us put on the mind and heart of Jesus today? How might we be “of service” to each person we encounter – the easily lovable, the miserable, the crotchety?

Let Us Pray:

Lord, when did we see you hungry, thirsty, a stranger, in need, or imprisoned? “Whatever you do for the least of mine, you do for me.”