Daily Bible Reflections - March 28, 2013

Holy Thursday   THE CHOSEN   “If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.” – John 13:14   In a timeworn monastery in the woods, there were only five old monks remaining. The religious order was dying. One day, a wise rabbi pitched a hut close to the monastery. The humble abbot took advantage of the chance to receive counsel from the wise rabbi. “God has chosen one of the brothers to be the real savior of this congregation,” the rabbi advised. “Serve him with all of your heart. Then miracles will happen to the monastery. The Order will flourish again.” “But who is this chosen one?” asked the abbot. “Nobody knows. But all of you will, when the time comes,” replied the rabbi. When the abbot shared this news with the brothers, each in his own mind decided a fail-proof strategy: “Serve each brother with my all. This way, I won’t miss serving ‘the chosen.’”  Suddenly, all of the brothers were radiant with happiness. Their ministries became vibrant and that caught the attention of visitors. Many were again attracted to their order. Life came back, not just to the monastery, but most importantly, in the monks’ hearts. Now they know: The one who serves is the chosen one. The real washing of the feet is nothing sentimental. True humility is service. Period. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)   Reflection: Who in your circle can you serve, even in little things?   Jesus, You loved Your disciples to perfection. Let me experience this today so I may serve the way You do. Amen.   St. Hesychius of Jerusalem, pray for us.