Mass of the Lord's Supper - April 17

Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-15

“What does Grace mean to you?” Teresa Albright sat across from me in the parish library, smiling softly and waiting patiently as I considered her question. It was August 2019, and I’d come to her inquiring about the RCIA process, which would begin in a few weeks. I had just mentioned that it was important to me to be in a faith community that erred on the side of Grace. And though I’d like to say that my response to Teresa’s question was perhaps spiritually deep, or philosophically sound, or even mildly interesting, unfortunately I think I panic-mumbled something uninspired about being open and accepting and loving to everyone. In that moment, I realized I’d never really asked myself this question. I’d never truly pondered the idea of Grace.

Reflecting on today’s readings and the rituals we observe on Holy Thursday each year, I see in clear, sharp detail overwhelming evidence of Grace in these words and acts. In this moment today, the reality of Grace - more than just the idea of it - takes my breath away. 

If Grace is the unearned love and favor that God gives to all humans, enabling us to respond to his call, then these scenes from 1 Corinthians and the Gospel of John allow us to travel back in time to witness Jesus’ embodiment of Grace. He calls on his disciples to love others, even those who may not deserve it. He washes the feet of his disciples - of his betrayer - showing them how to selflessly love one another. He enacts the sacrament of Holy Communion, manifesting a direct and accessible conduit between him and his followers. He establishes the priesthood, giving his apostles the power to forgive sins in perpetuity.

“What does Grace mean to you?” My answer today, though still evolving as I grow and learn in faith, is this: Grace is love. Grace is Christ. Grace is a gift, a promise, a sacrifice, and a responsibility.

Q: How do I define “Grace?” What reality in my life embodies Grace?

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