Service

n the mystery of Eucharist, Jesus assembles in his Body all the dispersed children of God.

Although the Eucharist unites the whole humanity in the Body of Christ, our life in community attains its true depth only when it is permeated and sanctified by the spirit of adoration and if our service to our neighbor witnesses of a humble and disinterested love for each member of this Body.

While the Gospel according to St. John dedicates a whole chapter upon “Bread of Life” and narrates us the washing of the feet, the synoptic Gospels relate only the institution of the Eucharist.

St. John opens “the Hour of Jesus” with these words: “…Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” (Jn 13, 1b)

During a meal, Jesus got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet.

“So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, so that you also should do as I have done for you” (Jn 13, 14-15)

United in Him, the least service rendered to our brethren, becomes an integral part of the “Eucharistic” life of Sisters of St. Joseph.