When I think of going for the Eucharistic Celebration believe it or not, my mind begins to think of Jesus' foot washing; how He washed the feet of the Apostles including the person who was to betray him and the other to deny him namely
Judas and Peter. I see his forgiving and unconditional love and acceptance of all of them as there are irrespective of their weakness. It poses before me certain pertinent questions:
- If Jesus could do that action of loving and forgiving unconditionally, expecting nothing in return, even those who he knew would reject him, deny him, betray him;
- Why am I hesitating to forgive?
- Why can't I do it?
- Why am I incapable of forgiving and accepting my brothers and sisters with whom I live?
- Why does my daily Eucharist not changing my way of life?
- If I don't do it how can I go to celebrate the Eucharist again and again?
So the first step I need to do is to forgive and forget all those who have hurt me or offended me by word or deed. Jesus instituted the Eucharistic celebration only after washing the feet of his apostles; a symbolic expression of love and service and he made it mandatory before celebrating the Eucharist. If I don't prefer myself with these basic foundation of love and service I hear an inner voice of Jesus telling me as he said to Peter "I have no part with him". which means " I cannot take part in the Eucharistic Celebration" which is re-presentation of the Last Supper of the Lord.
During this supper of the Lord Jesus has given a New commandment of love and proved that love by breaking his body and sharing it with his disciples. He also asked them to do it in memorial of him. Soon after this meal of love he went to the Gethsemane to actualize it.
During this supper of the Lord Jesus has given a New commandment of love and proved that love by breaking his body and sharing it with his disciples. He also asked them to do it in memorial of him. Soon after this meal of love he went to the Gethsemane to actualize it.
