For centuries, people have been fascinated with what Jesus may have looked like.  In our art form, we see Jesus depicted in a number of different ways, from a blue-eyed blond hair European Jesus to the African image that hangs on our processional cross.  Perhaps it’s a good thing that we can see Jesus in a way that speaks to us rather than having an exact picture.

Rather than worrying about Jesus’ physical appearance, a better question for us to ponder as we move into Holy Week, is “What was Jesus like?   
That’s a much better question, and the image that comes to mind for me is Jesus as he washed the feet of his disciples.  As he celebrated his final meal with his friends before his crucifixion, we find Jesus on his knees, wiping away dust and dirt, humbly and lovingly washing their feet.  

When we celebrate the Eucharist, we too are transformed into the Body of Christ, and Jesus is showing us what it means to be Christ like – what it means to be the Body of Christ.  As followers of Jesus, the sacred meal we share at every liturgy, is meant to transform us, to remind us that we too are called to become a servant, to become Christ for one another. 
 
As we ponder this image of Jesus during Holy Week, imagine sitting in a chair with Jesus tenderly washing your feet, washing away all that clings to you – your failings, your sins, your weaknesses, and your hurts and pains. Imagine being washed clean in God’s love.  That is the image Jesus wanted to leave with us.  After washing their feet, Jesus told those gathered – “do for one another as I have done for you.” 

I hope that many of you have the opportunity to join in our liturgical celebrations during Holy Week.  Join us Thursday evening when we commemorate the Last Supper where you and I will have a chance to have our hands or feet washed.  Join us Friday as we celebrate our Tenebrae Service, a service of light that commemorates the passion and crucifixion of Jesus.  And join us Easter Sunday as we celebrate the power of love, the joy of the resurrection.  With each celebration, we find Jesus humbly offering us his outstretched arms of love.

May God bless you and your loved ones today, tomorrow, and forevermore.

Fr. Harry