Holy Thursday: Tiny Acts of Love Can Be Huge

By David Sagehorn

I’ve always known that there is something significant about each day of the Easter Triduum. This is the time that we remember the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. We begin with Holy Thursday; the day when the Last Supper happened. Yet, there is a tradition that happens at mass on this day that I never really understood until recently — the feet washing. Before, I just knew I was sad they never picked me, but secretly happy because my feet are super ticklish. However, now I understand what Jesus was teaching.

The Model To Follow

During the Last Supper, Jesus tells his disciples that he knows one of them will betray him.  They all deny it, but He knows that his time is coming to an end. Despite knowing this, Jesus still loves his Apostles. He continues to teach each of them, and shows them by washing their feet (Gospel of John 13:1–17).  In verses 14–17, He instructs His disciples: “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” He is showing them we are all equals and there is no deed too low to do in order to show others that you care.

Lesson Learned

As an 8th grader, I am one of the oldest in the school, except for teachers. Sometimes I have a feeling of superiority, that I am above the younger kids because I am older and about to leave the school. Through reading the Gospel of John, Jesus shows me that I need to change that feeling.  I realize that no one is beneath us, smaller than us, or worse than us. We are all equals and we need to treat each other with his same kindness and generosity. 

Ways to Show Your Love

It may seem like it is hard to do anything to help others right now since we are social distancing, but there is so much we can do.  At our house, we have given non-perishable food items to food pantries. We have prayed the rosary for our parish family, healthcare workers, and first responders.  I have been helping my grandmother more around the house. Not because I am home all the time, but I know that she does A LOT, so I am doing more to help. I have also reached out to my Lent prayer partner a couple of times (it could have been more) to see how they are doing.  Sometimes just texting or calling someone so they know they aren’t alone is more help than we know.  

A Matter of Perspective

Small or lowly deeds, like washing someone else’s feet are only a matter of perspective.  A tiny act in your eyes could be huge to someone else. Leviticus 19:18, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” was given as a commandment to Moses in the Old Testament and in the Gospel of John, Jesus has shown us that our actions done with love are not small at all. 

About the Author

David Sagehorn – I’m an 8th grader who enjoys playing video games, wood burning, cooking, Nerf and eating Sushi. I love being Catholic. I love that there is a patron saint for EVERYTHING; from aardvarks (St. Anthony) to the city of Zurich (St. Felix and Regula), but my two favorites are St. Michael and St. David.  I especially love how the Catholic faith has expanded my family, not by marriage, but how each member of the faith all over the world, particularly those at St. Dominic, are my brothers and sisters in Christ.