We have been prayerfully preparing for this celebration for weeks throughout Lent. In the last couple of days we have been getting up close and personal with the drama of Jesus’ death exposing the sin of the world and demonstrating God’s love for humankind. Today we receive the blessings which flow from His fidelity. Preparation is over, reception is just beginning.

(Service of Light) Our readings this morning have revealed a history of God working in the world to save his Creation. The story of Salvation from the initial Creation through to the Redeeming, Saving, sacrifice of Jesus is a story of God seeking humankind, seeking us. With the Resurrection all things are made new. Creation is re-created. Not in the blinking of an eye (though it is) but in the continual transformation that takes place in us and in the world to renew us through the work of the Holy Spirit.

“you also ought to wash one another’s feet. Even the ugly ones”

So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. (John 13.14-15)

This day is a very special day in the Christian world. It marks the end of Lent and the beginning of the Sacred Triduum - three very sacred days in our faith tradition.

Today we celebrate the gift of the Eucharist. We celebrate its gift to us and its meaning in the context of the life giving story of Jesus' passion, death and resurrection for us. And, we celebrate the gift of ministry. We are not only gifted. We are given a lesson in how we are to give ourselves to and for each other.

Mary gets it. Mary understands what is going to happen to Jesus and why.

She knows who Jesus really is. Mary anoints the Messiah, the anointed one.

But many others don’t realise or understand. Throughout the Gospels Jesus refers to his identity, death and resurrection a number of times and the disciples and the authorities don’t understand what he is trying to really say to them.

Peter struggles from time to time. In John chapter 13 Peter refuses to let Jesus wash his feet until Jesus explains. What Jesus was doing didn’t meet expectations. Peter, though enthusiastic, impetuous and sometimes fearful, took time to get it. It took him time for the true identity of Jesus to sink in.

Loving God, open our ears, our eyes, and our hearts that we may hear and receive your Word, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

God loves us…truly, madly, compassionately, and deeply.

I was watching a TV program on the ABC the other night about dogs. Part of the episode spoke to the fact that dogs have special eye muscles which enlarges them. Hence we can gaze into these big brown sad/soppy/pleading eyes which can melt us into submission.

Watch a dog hang its head when it is scolded. It grovels. It tries to wheedle its way back into good graces. It looks at us with ‘those eyes’ which to us humans looks as if it is saying, “I’m really, really, really sorry for what I did and please, please, please, please forgive me. I will do anything you want!"