HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF EASTER
THEME: Bath Time!
BY: Deacon Bill Frere
HOMILY FOR THURSDAY MAY 12 2022
Gospel – John 13:16-20
Memories! I remember back when I was just a wee one, that my mom was occasionally give us a bath in the kitchen sink. And I remember being able to look out the window at Dad’s store and our yard! And that also reminds me of the many times we would give our daughter Jaime a bath when she was just a baby. But what sticks out in my mind is not so much where we bathed her but HOW!
I remember trying to be so very careful and gentle, with slow soft wipes of the cloth, never too rough or too hard. It was all these tender touches that were always accompanied with smiles and giggles, with soothing words and baby talk. It was never ever just a chore or a job to get done. It was a ministry, of sorts, a ministry of love and compassion. A labor of love! A bonding of parent and child! And I certainly didn’t mind if I got wet or Jaime spent all her time splashing water all over the place! PS I am pretty sure we have her rubber duckie somewhere around the house!
And that is what comes to mind from today’s Gospel. Jesus has just washed the disciples’ feet! And I have to wonder: that certainly wasn’t a chore for Him! It wasn’t a job! It wasn’t a task that was beneath Him! Can you imagine the tenderness of His touch? The gentle pouring of the water and the careful drying of their feet? It truly was a labor of love and it was a clear example of the Apostles’ mission. To serve others with love and compassion, to treat all as worthy of care and compassion! To minister to others, to think first of others and their needs beyond our own! To put our love of others into humble, but joyful, practice! So let’s get going! These feet aren’t gonna wash themselves!
Deacon Bill Frere