Day Thirty-Eight: A Love That Stoops to Serve
Thursday of Holy Week

Scripture Passage:
“Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
— John 13:12–15

Opening Reflection:
Holy Thursday begins the Sacred Triduum, the most solemn days of the Church’s year. In the quiet intimacy of the Upper Room, Jesus not only shares the Last Supper with His disciples but kneels before them to wash their feet an act so radical in humility that even His followers struggled to understand it. Yet, through this humble service, Jesus offers a profound model for holiness. True greatness, He teaches, is rooted in love expressed through humble acts of service.

Meditative Reflection:
What does holiness really look like? In a world that often associates power with status, Jesus redefines it through service. The Creator of all stoops to wash dusty feet, reminding us that love is not about being served, but about serving others, even in the most menial ways. His actions speak of a love that gives without counting the cost. He leaves us not just a memory but a mission: to follow His example.
In our own lives, this might look like putting aside our pride to forgive, choosing compassion when judgment would be easier, or quietly offering help without recognition. Holiness isn’t a distant dream reserved for the perfect; it’s found in the ordinary moments when we choose love over self.

Reflection Questions:
How often do I seek to be served rather than to serve? In what ways am I being called to imitate Jesus’ humility and selfless love today? Do I see small acts of service as valuable paths to holiness?

Lenten Question:
Q: Why did Jesus wash His disciples’ feet if He was their Lord and Master?
A: Because true leadership in the kingdom of God is exercised through humble service. Jesus was preparing His disciples to lead not with pride or authority, but through love, sacrifice, and servant-heartedness.

Lenten Action:
Offer an act of humble service today without being asked and without expecting anything in return. Let it be your quiet participation in the model Christ gave us.

Concluding Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You knelt before Your disciples and washed their feet. You who are God humbled Yourself to show us what love looks like. Teach me to serve with that same humility. Let me not seek recognition, but the quiet joy of loving as You love. May my life reflect Your example, that others may see You in me. Amen.

Resources for Lenten Prayers and Reflections:

Daily Saints and Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Lenten Reflections | EWTN | https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/reflections/lent

Lenten Prayers and Daily Reflections | My Catholic Life | https://mycatholic.life/lent-prayers-reflections/