Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But it is to fulfil the scripture, “The one who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.” I tell you this now, before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am he. Very truly, I tell you, whoever receives one whom I send receives me; and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.’

During the Easter Triduum, I found myself drawn to this quiet yet powerful line of Jesus. In the Upper Room, after washing the disciples’ feet, He speaks these words – knowing fully what lies ahead: denial, betrayal, and abandonment. Yet He still kneels, still washes, still loves.

I was reminded of a moment in my ministry in aged care, where a podiatrist shared how many residents feel ashamed of their feet, often apologising for how they look or even how they smell. In prayer, I saw myself in that place, wanting to say, “Sorry, Lord,” for the parts of me that feel broken or unworthy. And yet, Jesus comes close. He knows. He kneels. He touches what I would rather hide.

“I know whom I have chosen.” Jesus knows everything about us: the beauty and the weakness, the love and the struggle. He even knew Judas, and still chose him. This is the mystery of His love: we are not chosen because we are perfect, but because we are loved.

The question is not whether Jesus has chosen us, but whether we will remain in that truth, especially in moments of weakness, suffering, or failure. To be His disciple is to stay, to trust, and to receive His love again and again.

Will I have the courage to remain in the truth of my identity as God’s beloved son or daughter, no matter what I face?

Lord Jesus, You know me completely and still choose me. Help me to remain in Your love, trusting that I am Your beloved, even in my weakness. Amen.