Washing of feet maintains faithful’s connection to Jesus-Advincula

By J.Lo

“Kaya naman, sa taong ito nang panalangin, ang mga kapatid nating  huhugasan ang paa, ay kumakatawan sa kahalagahan ng panalangin…sa kanilang iba’t-iba at natatanging paraan, sila ay tumutulong, nagtuturo at naging gabay sa panalangin ng kanilang mga pinaglilingkuran,” Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula said. connection and relationship with Jesus is being strengthened by prayer as “He” reminds us during  washing of feet.

In his homily at the Manila Cathedral, Advincula stressed importance of  washing of  feet, not merely as  hygienic act but as  sign of one’s relationship with Jesus.

Advincula also highlighted  significance of  Eucharist as  highest form of prayer, where Jesus offers himself and is offered. 

He also said Eucharist is  powerful prayer where  faithful thank God for all  blessings we receive and ask for strength to face life’s challenges.

“Sa gabing ito na itinatag ni Hesus ang pinaka mataas ng anyo ng panalangin ng simbahan, ang eukaristiya, makita nawa nating muli ang halaga ng panalangin sa ating buhay…k ung paanong, hindi mabubuhay ang isda, kung wala ito sa tubig, hindi rin tayo mabubuhay bilang Kristyano, kung hindi tayo magdarasal,” he said.

During Maundy Thursday, Catholics commemorate both the washing of the feet and the Last Supper which believed are the events before Jesus Christ was arrested leading to his death.

It is the day before Good Friday, or the day on which Jesus Christ is believed to be crucified and died.

Some churches recreate washing of feet with priest washing feet of certain individuals. 

The evening of Maundy Thursday also is the start of “Pascal Triduum” or  days   passion, crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ are commemorated.