Evelyn Jock
Holy Thursday marks a moment of deep participation as the Church enters the sacred Easter Triduum. It is a night rich in meaning and emotion—a remembrance of Jesus’ final gathering with His disciples, where He shared a simple meal that revealed profound love and humility, a meal that would forever be embedded in the life of the Catholic Church. Yet, beneath this moment of closeness lies the painful reality of betrayal and denial.
During the liturgy, Rt. Rev. Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom shared a moving reflection, reminding the faithful that there are four responsibilities that we are called to carry out as believers.
First, like the great assembly of the Israelites, we are called to gather. When we come together, we do so not as individuals, but as members of one body. This is what St Paul emphasized, we are called not by our own choice, but by God Himself. Our gathering is not merely an expression of obedience, but a recognition that we belong to His body.
In the Church, there is no such thing as believing in God alone. Yet, there are some who claim to love God while remaining disconnected from the Church, saying, “I pray, but I do not want to be involved. I come and go.” As believers, we are reminded of the unity we share in Christ, a unity that brings life and transformation. A true Christian community reflects the life of Christ, a community of love.
We are also called to listen and pay attention to the Word of God, just as we do each time we gather to celebrate the Eucharist. Being a disciple of Jesus means being involved, being formed and transformed. Our lives should be shaped by the Word of God. We are called to live it out daily, allowing it to change us. When the Word is proclaimed, it is Christ Himself speaking to us.
Another responsibility is to serve one another in love. Jesus beautifully demonstrated this in the Gospel by washing the feet of His disciples. He said, “I have set an example for you… as I have done for you, you should also do for one another.” As disciples of Christ, we too are called to “wash one another’s feet” through humble service.
Jesus also gave a new commandment: “Love one another, just as I have loved you.” This calls us to reach out to those in need, to help one another, and to gently guide those who have drifted away from the Church. We are invited to contribute to the growth of the Church and to extend our care even to those who do not yet believe.
We are called to come together, to listen, and to serve wholeheartedly. At the same time, we are called to receive the Lord in Holy Communion. Jesus instructed His disciples, “Do this in remembrance of me.” For more than 2,000 years, Christians have gathered to receive Him in the Eucharist. We are a community sustained by Jesus, the Bread of Life. We are strengthened by His presence. The Second Vatican Council describes the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life.
However, before we can fully share in this communion, we must be cleansed by Jesus. Like St Peter, we need to be washed so that we may have a share with the Lord. As Jesus said, “Unless I wash you, you have nothing in common with me.” Without this cleansing, Peter would not have been able to sit at the table with Jesus.
In the same way, all of us need this cleansing so that we may be welcomed at His heavenly banquet. Only when we are cleansed by Christ can we truly enter into communion with Him, listen to His Word, and make it our own. This cleansing is not only for service, it is what makes us worthy to serve.
Although only twelve individuals come forward for the washing of the feet, Bishop Julius reminded the faithful that all of us are called to be cleansed. The ritual is only a sign; what truly matters is the cleansing of the heart. Only then can we be worthy to share at the Lord’s table in heaven.