The scene in the upper room just before the Last Supper must
have been a rather disturbing one. Everyone was worried.
Rumours of impending doom were circulating. People were
anxious, sad and harassed. Only Jesus was calm, though it was to Jesus that all
these disturbing things were threatening to happen. Yet it was Jesus who
remembered the custom of the day, and he took a towel and bowl and began to
wash the feet of his disciples. Perhaps the clue to the mystery is in the phrase:
“Jesus, knowing that he came from the father and was going to the father took a
towel etc” Sure of his divine origin, and sure of his divine destiny, the one who
was about to be crucified could still be calm. It is truly an amazing story. There
is so much we can learn from it. In the midst of the great storms and
disturbances of life, we can have a safe and sure anchor in Christ. We too can be
sure of our divine origin and divine destiny if we put our faith in Jesus. We too
can know a deep inner serenity whatever is going on around us. We can also
learn from this story that no task is too menial for us to do for one another. He
who came amongst us to serve calls us also into service, and in this we can find
true satisfaction and fulfilment.

A Prayer

Lord, in the hour of your greatest need you gave
us your greatest gifts.

In the garden of Gethsamene you gave up your
will to the Father’s purpose.

In the upper room you gave us a meal to
remember.

On the cross of Calvary you gave us your life and shed your blood.
And now we ask a further gift.

Please give us in moments of our greatest need the same sense of purpose
which ruled your life.

Colin (excerpt from Hello! This is Message)