This homily was given by Msgr. Vladimir Felzmann for the Deaf Community Mass for Maundy Thursday. Find out more about Holy Week services for the Deaf Community here.
‘I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.’ (John 13:15)
Having taught at The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School for 12 years, I appreciate just how great an educator Jesus was.
Washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus not only enabled them, and now us, to see how God is – not a king to be worshipped, but a servant to be loved – but also how we should emulate him in our service to others.
The feet-washing is both passive and active.
Passive: we need to avoid Peter’s arrogance and allow God to help us. To live ‘life to the full’ (cfr. John 10:10) – the life Jesus came to offer us – we need God’s help. To avoid taking everything for granted, we need to open our heart, accept and be grateful for the gifts God gives us across our ‘PIES’: the Physical, Intellectual, Emotional and Spiritual dimensions of our life.
Take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Pray and practise lectio divina: meditate – ponder – the gospel scenes. Get to know the One with whom you hope to spend eternity.
Recognise God’s presence in people who help you. Thank God for your doctor, dentist, hairdresser and Amazon delivery staff, as well your Sunday Masses and all therein.
Active: given your age and current abilities, try to see how you serve people in your community – including, of course, your family – as they now are, not as they, and you were, when younger.
Find out more about the Caritas Deaf Service here.
