Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

April 30, 2026

We have celebrated Easter, the resurrection of Jesus, and now we are hearing and reflecting on a tender gospel reading that talks about humility and service for others that took place on Holy Thursday. It is a familiar story of Jesus washing the apostles’ feet at the Last Supper. This is our savior, Jesus Christ, and the son of God, who kneels to wash the feet of his apostles personally. It is Jesus’ great and loving way to inspire his apostles; to help them understand that they need to go beyond mere words and to humble themselves when teaching and serving others.

Jesus was at the foot of each apostle. He cleansed each of them with water, but the deeper effect was his love and humility poured out as he served each of them.
Have you ever been moved so deeply by another person‘s act of kindness that you can feel the presence of love, the presence of Christ, and it overwhelms you and becomes a part of you? It’s powerful! I can only imagine how it felt for the apostles to have Jesus’ love and serve each of them.

Saint Peter Julian Eymard was very much in sync with the spirit of Jesus washing the apostles’ feet. He exhausted himself if it meant caring for the spiritual good of others. He would do anything for his fellow religious. He was very devoted to the Eucharist and lived a humble and practical life, with his acts of service almost going unnoticed.

Let us hope the works of Jesus and Saint Peter Julian Eymard are an inspiration for us to live a spiritually humble life of service for others.

Prayer:
Oh, Jesus, you knelt in love to serve your disciples. Teach me to walk in humility, to see others with kindness, and to serve with a gentle and generous heart. Amen.