Reflections of Caritas

“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27

We live in a world filled with noise. We are bombarded by 24-hour news programs, streaming videos, and the ever-increasing chaos of modern life. Many of these good things help make us more productive, more connected, and more capable of helping those in need. However, all this activity can also make it more difficult to hear the simple song of the Shepherd.

“Jesus said to him…‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’” – John 21:16 

The same question that Jesus asked Simon Peter He also asks each one of us: “Do you love me?”

It is easy to balk at that question and answer like Peter did, “Of course I love you.”

But, do we? Do we really love Him? 

“Thomas answered and said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” – John 20:28 

Jesus is alive. Unlike a fanciful myth or a figure from the pages of a history book, His precious blood still pumps through His veins. His heart continues to beat, and it beats with love for you.

“Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.” – John 13:5

Every year on Holy Thursday, the Church reflects upon the story of the Last Supper from the Gospel of Saint John. Unlike Matthew, Mark, and Luke, the writer of John’s Gospel does not tell the narrative of the institution of the Eucharist. He does not mention any details about bread and wine. Instead, John shares the story of how Jesus washed the feet of His disciples at that same meal.