Maundy Thursday at St Ann’s
A Night of Love and Service
On Thursday evening, the parish of St. Anne’s, Kingston Hill, came together to begin the Sacred Triduum with a deeply moving Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
The church was well attended, and the spirit of prayer and reflection was beautifully present throughout the liturgy.
The highlight of the evening was the Washing of the Feet, where twelve parishioners symbolically received the gesture of Christ’s humility and service. This act reminded us that true discipleship is found not in power, but in love that stoops to serve.
We also received the Three Holy Oils blessed at the Chrism Mass — the Oil of Catechumens, Oil of the Sick, and Sacred Chrism — which will be used throughout the year in our sacramental life.
The celebration concluded with the Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and many remained in silent adoration, keeping watch with the Lord in His hour of solitude.
We thank all who attended and supported the liturgy — may the love of Christ, who gave Himself for us, remain alive in our hearts.
“Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)
Maundy Thursday Homily: “To Wash is to Love”
Dear brothers and sisters,
Tonight is not just the beginning of the Triduum. Tonight is the beginning of a love so deep, so holy, and so tender, it cannot be explained—only received.
In the upper room, under the shadows of betrayal and denial, Jesus does something astonishing. He takes off His outer robe, kneels down, and begins to wash the feet of His disciples. Yes—even Judas. Yes—even Peter, who will soon deny Him.
He doesn’t flinch. He doesn’t withdraw. He moves toward the mess of our humanity.
Two Washings: One of Mercy, One of Escape
There are two kinds of washing we see in these final hours of Jesus’ life.
One is the washing of Pontius Pilate—a man who washes his hands to avoid responsibility.
Pilate stands before truth, before the unjust condemnation of an innocent man, and he washes to say: “I want no part of this. This isn’t mine to deal with.”
He washes to distance himself from the pain of others.
He washes for justice denied.
But then, we see another washing—Jesus bending low, taking the dust-covered feet of His disciples, and washing them with His own hands.
Not to escape responsibility—but to embrace it.
Not to protect Himself—but to give Himself.
Not to run from suffering—but to walk into it.
He kneels, not because He is weak, but because love stoops low.
He who is Teacher, Master, Lord, and Son of God, takes the posture of a servant—no, more than a servant: a slave. And He says: “Do you understand what I have done for you?”
He Loved Them to the End
He washes Judas, knowing he will betray Him with a kiss.
He washes Peter, knowing he will curse and deny Him.
He washes the rest, knowing they will abandon Him in His hour of need.
Still, He loves. Still, He gives.
Not reacting, but radiating.
Not condemning, but cleansing.
Tonight, Jesus shows us what love really means—not a feeling, but a decision to give yourself away completely.
“This is My Body, given for you.”
“This is My Blood, poured out for you.”
And then—He gives a new command: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
He does not say: “Be correct. Be admired. Be powerful.”
He says: “Love.” And to love, in His terms, is to give all—to wash the feet of the undeserving, to bend low even when you’re the highest.
Tonight Is a Mirror
This night, dear friends, is not for spectators. It is a mirror.
It asks:
- Will you wash like Jesus, or like Pilate?
- Will you take up the towel, or wash your hands of the world’s pain?
- Will you run toward the broken, or protect yourself from inconvenience?
- Will you offer your heart, or retreat into comfort?
Tonight, the heart of God is on display. A heart that is not reactive, but radiant.
A heart that is not disturbed by betrayal, denial, or failure, but remains faithful to the end.
His Sacred Heart is not conditional. It does not give up.
Your weakness does not change His tenderness.
Your sin does not cancel His service.
Your silence does not silence His love.
Conclusion: Let This Night Change You
Tonight is not just about what Jesus did.
It is about what He invites us to become.
Let this sacred night soften your heart. Let it call you out of self-protection.
Let it draw you into a love that does not wait to be understood, or thanked, or praised—but simply gives.
Because to love like Christ is to bend, to serve, and to wash—even when your hands are pierced. Amen.
