Removing of the Outer garment and wearing the Towel

Gospel Thoughts

*Lenten Season : Holy Week : Holy Thursday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 13:1-15*

*FIRST READING -Ex 12:1-8, 11-14*

*Second Reading - 1 Cor 11:23-26*

*Removing of the Outer garment and wearing the Towel*

*1) What are these outer garments in Jesus' Life?*

Outer garment is not merely a outer clothing, which Jesus removed before He started to wash the feet of His disciples. 

We see after washing of the feet Jesus' wears the outer garments and tells His disciples two important words. 

*Teacher* and *Master* are the two important words we see when Jesus put on the outer Garments.

So by removing the outer garments, He is also removing two of His titles or the attitudes while washing the feet of His disciples. 

In other words, the titles *Master* and *Teacher* didn't hinder Jesus from washing the feet. He was able to come down from the title of *Master* and *Teacher* to wash the feet of His disciples 

*2) Removing of the Outer garment symbolizes the process of self emptying*

The process of self emptying is at the center of Jesus' life and ministry. 

So removing of the outer garment, also shows Jesus' readiness to empty himself to totally for the service of the man kind 

As He removed the outer garments, Jesus emptied Himself to save the entire Human kind 

*3) Removing of the Outer garments also symbolizes the attitude of Change*

This change is necessary in order to wash the feet of His disciples. 

Jesus was ready Change Himself from *Master* and *Teacher* to that of ordinary servant, who can easily wash the feet of His disciples.

Jesus readiness to change from one position to another position of washing of the feet, is highlighted in removing of the outer garments, and also a powerful message to all of us while doing the service. 

*4) My life and Outer garments*

As the disciples of Jesus all of us are called to wash the feet of our brothers and sisters 

To do such a great ministry one has to ready to remove the outer garments. Unless we remove it we can't wash the feet of others 

*5) Outer garments in my life*

The feeling of *superiority*

The feeling of *I belong to higher class*

The feeling of *it is bellow my dignity*

The feeling of *it is not meant for me*

The feeling of *High social position*

The feeling of *High standard of life*

The feeling of *What others will think*

The feeling of *Is it possible for me*

The feeling of *Pride, jealousy, anger, revenge, greed, selfishness, self centered attitude*

Unless we remove the outer garment of these things we can not serve our brothers and sisters 

*6) Need of the Towel to tie around the waist*

Jesus took the towel and tired it to the waist, and began to wash the feet of the disciples. 

Like Jesus I need to tie the towel around the waist to wash the feet. So what symbolizes the towel in my life?

The towel of humility

The towel of compassion

The towel of service

The towel of love 

The towel of forgiveness

The towel of adjustment

The towel of simplicity

The towel of understanding

The towel of sacrifice

The towel of change 

Unless we have these towels we can't serve 

So am I ready to remove my outer garment and ready to tie the towel around my waist to serve the people of God?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*