Today, Maundy Thursday, we commemorate the institution of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

The rituals re-enacted in the churches must not distract us from listening to Jesus's words so as to grasp their rich significance. In humbly washing His disciples' feet, Jesus challenged our conventional notions of leadership. He taught us that true leadership entails serving others with humility rather than seeking power or recognition.

In the Holy Eucharist, He intimated to us how far He would go to make His servanthood a tangible reality. St. Thomas Aquinas describes Jesus’s presence in the Eucharist as visus, tactus, gustus — meaning that when we encounter Him in the Blessed Sacrament or receive Him in Holy Communion, His presence is not merely symbolic. In the Holy Eucharist, we see, touch, and taste the presence of Jesus.

Whenever we celebrate the Holy Eucharist, we discern how life arises from death, the flower from a dead seed, the phoenix from ashes, and eternity from time.

Jesus said: “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry; he who believes in Me will never thirst” (John 6: 34–35).

In our visually-dominated age, faith is often questioned. Religion risks being seen as mere hero worship, the Church as a fan club, and the Christian message as a hollow promise.

Because of the prevalence of films and television, sight has taken precedence over sound. We are captivated by moving images and easily lose interest in mere words. Ours is a generation of avid spectators rather than attentive listeners or active participants.

Jesus emphasized the importance of listening over mere seeing. He scolded the doubting Thomas, who demanded visible signs to believe. Jesus said, "Because you have seen me, you now believe; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe" (John 20:29).

On Maundy Thursday, Jesus also gave us a command. (The word “maundy” from the Latin “mandatum” means “command.”) At the Last Supper, He commanded that people should love one another. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another (John 13:34).”

He then washed the feet of the apostles, an act of humility and selfless love. Biblical scholars also look at this act in the Last Supper as a symbol of faithfulness, of the importance of humility, and anticipation of the ultimate sacrifice — that Jesus Christ gave up His life in order for mankind to have a chance at redemption and everlasting life.

In many churches today, bishops will be washing the feet of 12 new priests – symbolizing Christ’s washing the feet of His disciples, the first priests.

Last year, Pope Francis performed the Maundy Thursday ritual symbolizing humility, washing the feet of 12 residents of a juvenile prison in Rome, assuring them of their dignity and telling them “any of us” can fall into sin.

Today, as the country pauses during the last days of Lent in anticipation of Easter Sunday, let us include thoughts on faith, humility, kindness to enter our minds. Make more room in our hearts to grow in faith, deepen humility, and expand your kindness network.