During his final meal with his disciples, Jesus knew his earthly life was nearing its end.  He used those last hours with his followers to stress the heart of the gospel:  love one another as he has loved them.  As he washed their feet, he urged them toward an active, audacious mission of caring for others, just as he cares for them.  Maundy Thursday marks the commemoration of this commandment, or mandate, to love one another. He knew he would soon be betrayed and executed, but he chose love.  

Let’s try to do the same.  Though the world may normalize violence, cruelty and retribution, let’s be radical.  Let’s do the hard work of choosing love.  

Last year’s post on Maundy Thursday remains as relevant as ever. See here.