Gospel
John 13:1-15

1. “Do you realize what I have done for you?” Jesus asks. What is it that Jesus did for us when he washed the disciples’ feet? Do you think they realized at the time what was going on? When do you think they realized it? How are the washing of the feet and the Eucharist related?

2. What are some ways you can “wash your neighbors’ feet”? Are there degrees of service to your neighbor? How high would you place “putting up with your neighbor”? How about “laying down your life”?

First Reading: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

1. While celebrating the Passover meal Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” What did he mean by “this”? Could “this” also mean a reenactment, i.e., lay down our lives, as Jesus did?

2. Pope Francis told the prisoners before he washed their feet that “Before giving us himself in his body and blood, Jesus risked himself for each one of us—risked himself in service—because he loves us so much. Being part of the body of Christ and serving our neighbor. Are the two tied together?

Jesus serves us today, here in Regina Coeli (prison). Jesus risks himself for each person. Jesus does not know how to wash his hands of people. He knows how to risk, for his name is Jesus, not Pontius Pilate. In going after the lost sheep, Jesus risks being wounded.

I am a sinner like you. But I represent Jesus today. (Pope Francis then invited the prisoners to think of the fact, as their feet were being washed by him, that Jesus took a risk with this man, a sinner, to come to me to tell me that he loves me.) This is service. This is Jesus. Before giving us himself in his body and blood, Jesus risked himself for each one of us—risked himself in service—because he loves us so much.”

Pope Francis tells inmates Jesus risks himself by serving others
April 18, 2019