Screengrab from Manila Cathedral’s Facebook live of the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
HUMILITY, AVAILABILITY, and empowerment are the three important lessons people must be reminded of when commemorating Christ’s Last Supper, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula said.
Celebrating the Last Supper should allow the people to be humble and available in service for the people, and empower those who are in need despite any circumstances, Advincula said.
“Let us emulate His humility, His willingness to serve, and His leadership,” Advincula said in his homily during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper last Maundy Thursday.
The prelate also acknowledged the people who prioritized helping those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the previous disasters.
“It is also heart-touching to see so many people during the pandemic and disasters show their willingness to adjust to love and care for others,” he said.
Despite the reflection of good deeds, Advincula warned the people about the immense existence of selfishness as seen on how some modern leaders control their nation.
“Majority of the world’s leaders want to selfishly own the opportunity to serve…Instead of empowering their people, they treat the weak as slaves,” he said.
He then encouraged everyone to follow the kind of leadership that Christ has shown that is grounded in unconditional love and familial relationship.
“Ang pagmamahal Niya sa atin ay lubos [na] kahit ang dumi at sugat natin ay nasalat at nahipo ng mga banal na kamay niya. Ginawa niya ito hindi dahil napipilitan lang siya tulad ng isang alipin, kung hindi dahil mahal na mahal niya tayo (His love for us is complete that even our dirt and wounds have been touched by His holy hands. He did it not because he was just forced like a slave but because he loved us so much),” Advincula said.
The symbolic washing of the feet, which is a Maundy Thursday tradition, was also carried out during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
After the homily, Advincula washed the feet of 12 individuals who have significant roles to play in the upcoming national and local elections, including three officials of the Commission on Elections, three members of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, three first time voters, two members of the Electoral Board, and a journalist.
The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper was held at the Manila Cathedral, and was celebrated to remember Christ’s Last Supper with the apostles before He was crucified. F – Nillicent Bautista
