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WHERE LOVE BENDS LOW: THE MEANING OF SERVICE AT THE LORD’S SUPPER

Apr. 06, 2026 07:07 PM

April 2, 2026, Quiapo, Manila – On Holy Thursday, the faithful quietly filled the Quiapo Church to witness the yearly washing of the feet. At around 5:00 in the afternoon, the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper began—solemn, intimate, and deeply moving for the many devotees gathered in prayer.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Ramon Jade Licuanan. At the start of his homily, Fr. Jade greeted everyone with a simple yet sincere “God bless you”—words that gently opened the hearts of the faithful to a more personal encounter with the Lord.

Drawing from the Gospel of John (13:1–15), he reflected on the powerful moment when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. He recalled how Simon Peter initially resisted, unable to understand why the Master would take the role of a servant. Yet Jesus’ response— “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me”—revealed that the act was not just about cleansing, but about belonging, communion, and love.

Fr. Jade gently reminded the faithful that true service is not measured by how much we do, but by how willing we are to let Christ work within us. It is in opening our hearts—especially to the suffering face of Jesus Nazareno—that our actions gain deeper meaning. Service becomes real when it flows from humility, grace, and a sincere desire to follow Christ.

Following the homily, the Rite of the Washing of the Feet unfolded in silence and reverence. Representatives from different parish ministries stepped forward, taking the place of the apostles. One by one, their feet were washed—a simple gesture yet filled with profound meaning.

This act, first done by Jesus during the Last Supper, was more than a display of kindness. In the time of Christ, washing another’s feet was a task reserved for servants. Yet Jesus, the Teacher and Lord, chose to lower Himself before His disciples. In doing so, He redefined what it means to lead and to love. The washing of the feet became a living symbol of humility, self-giving love, and equality—that no one is above another in the eyes of God.

More deeply, it represents a call to every Christian: to serve not out of obligation, but out of love; to forgive, to accept, and to care for others, especially the least and the forgotten. It is also a reminder that before we can serve, we must first allow ourselves to be served by Christ—to be cleansed, forgiven, and renewed by His grace.

The celebration did not end with the final prayer. In a quiet continuation of the evening’s spirit, Fr. Jade shared a simple meal with those who took part in the ritual, echoing the fellowship of the Last Supper and reminding everyone that faith is lived not only in worship, but also in communion.

More than a remembrance, the Holy Thursday celebration at Quiapo Church became a gentle yet powerful invitation. It called each devotee to go beyond tradition and ask: How am I being called to serve? In the washing of the feet, the faithful were reminded that to follow Christ is to walk the path of humility—to love without condition, to serve without seeking recognition, and to become, in our own simple ways, a reflection of His mercy in the world.

 

Alvin Tactaquin | Quiapo-EHMC