Holy Thursday Year C Gospel

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John.

It was before the Feast of Passover, and Jesus realized that the hour had come for him to pass from this world to Abba God.  He had always loved his own in this world, but now he showed how perfect this love was.

Jesus – knowing that God had put all things into his own hands, and that he had come from God and was returning to God – rose from the table, removed his clothes, and wrapped a towel around his waist.  He then poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel.

(Community will wash feet at this time.)

When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said, “You’re not going to wash my feet, are you?”  Jesus answered, “At the moment, you do not know what I am doing; but later you will understand.”  Peter replied, “You will never wash my feet!”  Jesus answered, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with me.”  Simon Peter said to Jesus, “Then not only my feet, but my hands and my head as well!”  Jesus said, “Anyone who has taken a bath does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is clean all over; and you are clean, but not every one of you.”  For Jesus knew who was to betray him.  That is why he said, “You are not all clean.”

Having washed their feet, Jesus put on his clothes again and returned to the table.  He said to them, “Do you understand what I have done for you?  You call me “Teacher,” and “Sovereign,”

and rightly, for so I am.  If I, then – your Teacher and Sovereign – have washed your feet, you should wash each other’s feet.  I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”

The Good News as spoken through John.