Vigils Reading – Holy Thursday

On the Lord’s Words to His Disciples at the Last Supper5

by Ogier of Locedio

When the Lord Jesus began to wash the disciples’ feet, he came first to Simon Peter, the first among his disciples. That God should wash a man’s feet filled Peter with terror and dread; he could not bear to see the Lord so humbled. He had watched him pour the water into the basin and wrap himself in the towel; perhaps he wondered what Jesus meant to do. But then he saw him come before him with the vessel, watched him kneel in preparation, and his apprehension was more than words can tell. Terrified, Peter groaned and cried out, ‘Lord! You – wash my feet?’ Was the Lord about the serve his servant, the Master his disciple? Would God so humble himself before a man, the Creator before his creature, He who from nothing made all things – before one who was made of clay? Get up, Lord, my God! What are you doing? It is too much, I cannot bear it!… Do not do what I see you mean to do! Never shall you wash my feet, Lord!’

At this, Jesus replied, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand. Do not be terrified, Peter. This is to be sure a great gesture of humility, but you will soon see greater and limitless evidence… It is an object- lesson I mean to leave you with as I go to the Father; do not prevent me from doing as I will… ‘I am the water that washes, I am the water that sanctifies: if I do not wash you, you can have no share with me.’ Hearing these latter words, Peter shudders profoundly. ‘What does it mean when you say, “You can have no share with me”? No share with you? What bitter words! You are my life, my sweetness, all my hope, my well-being, my every desire!’ Then, no longer contradicting the Master, he offers to be washed not only his feet but himself entirely: ‘Here I am, Lord. Do with me what you will! Wash my feet – and not only my feet: wash my hands, my head!’

If it is true, Lord Jesus, that no one you have not first washed can have a share with you, then have mercy on me, have mercy!… Do not despise me, O God my saviour! God , be merciful to me, a sinner! Wash what is filthy, wash what is befouled! Wash my feet, my hands, my head, my whole body! Wash my mind, wash my soul; wash me within and without… Who but you, Lord Jesus, will grant it to me to come into my heart and inebriate me with your water, so that I can forget all my former evil and… embrace you, that Life that shall never die? My sinful soul awaits the inspiration of your grace, that I might sufficiently repent and worthily live.

…O blessed Peter, O fortunate apostles, before whose feet knelt in all humility the creator of the angels!… O unhappy Judas! You eat the Lord’s bread and lift up your heel against him…

You therefore, my brothers, disciples of Christ, reflect on Judas’s deed… Judas lifted up his heel against Christ; you must prostrate yourselves, body and soul, before him. Judas turned away and left him; you must follow him. Judas sold him out to the authorities; you must sell all you possess – yourselves as well– for love of that pearl of such beauty. Exert yourselves to the limit in pleasing him, and him alone. Then you and I may be able to attain those joys that last forever, which are Christ Jesus himself..