The importance of the Towel on Holy Thursday

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*

*The importance of the Towel on Holy Thursday*

*1) Holy Thursday is incomplete without the Towel*

The ceremony of Washing the feet on Holy Thursday, highlights the importance of service 

In this context and in this ceremony Jesus uses a towel. The Gospel says *He took a towel and tied it around his waist*

The purpose of the towel is to dry the feet after washing it 

Apart this this ritual ceremony there is also a hidden and spiritual meaning, which can be attributed to the towel 

*2) The towel of Humility*

Master is washing the feet of his disciples

This needs a greatest level of humility 

In order to wash the feet of our own brothers and sisters one needs a deeper level of humility. 

So one should cover oneself with the towel of humility to wash others feet 

*3) The towel of Service*

The whole event takes place in the context of service 

Washing of the feet is the trade mark of service 

So one should have the towel of service, in order to involve oneself in this gesture

*4) The Towel of Sacrifice*

Unless one has the towel of sacrifice, one will find very difficult to wash another's feet 

The towel of sacrifice inspires us to involve ourselves in the service for the kingdom of God 

*5) The Towel of forgiveness*

This towel is very important to wash the feet of another 

The towel of forgiveness, helps a person to accept another person as his own brother and sister 

Such an acceptance will help a person to give best service to another without any expectations 

*6) The towel of Love*

This was the foundation on which the entire episode of washing of the feet rests 

It is the reflection of Jesus' love for his disciples and to the entire world 

Jesus' Showed one of the best ways of showing ones love to another by washing of the feet 

The same has to be done by the followers of Jesus 

The Towel of love will work wonders in us 

*7) What towels I have in my life?*

Various towels are necessary to live our Christian faith effectively

If so what are the various towels I need in my life? 

The above mentioned towels are found in my life? Am I using them while doing my mission? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*