Holy Thursday 

   “He took a towel and tied it around his waist.  Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciple’s feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.” (John 13: 5) 

   Tonight, at the Holy Thursday Mass, the priest will wash the feet of twelve people chosen to represent the apostles at the last supper.  This will take place at Catholic Churches all over the world as it does every year.

   I’m always a little surprised by the fact that Jesus washed the feet of all twelve, including Judas Iscariot, who would betray Him.  Surely our Lord knew what Judas was about to do, so why would He include Him in this expression of servitude?  Maybe He was hoping that Judas would come to recognize the terrible thing He was about to do; perhaps He was encouraging Judas by showing Him the love He had even for His betrayer, hoping that he would return seeking forgiveness for his actions.

   I have always considered that even worse that Judas’ betrayal of the Son of Man, was his refusal to repent and seek the forgiveness of our Lord.  Jesus would have forgiven Him, even for this act, for as He had said, “I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.” (Luke 15: 7).  Instead of repenting, Judas choose to kill himself.

   Will those whose feet will be washed this evening be thinking that one of them represents the betrayer?  Possibly, but I doubt it.  Perhaps it would be good to consider Judas and his choice.  Our decision must be to go to Jesus in repentance for our sins, no matter how heinous they may be.  Just as He would have forgiven His betrayer, He will forgive us.