He Loved Them to the End

“He loved his own in the world and He loved them to the end” (John 13:1).

I’ve been contemplating this Scripture passage through the Blessed is She lent devotional, To the End. It reminds me of my mom as her passing is still fresh on my mind and heart.

She spent her life serving others. As a mother of nine that was expected, but it went further than that. She had a servant's heart that went beyond her family. I could easily picture her picking up a basin of water and washing feet. It was Christ-like love in action.

As her cancer spread, my mom could no longer be physically active and had to rely on other people. I could hear her voice in Peter’s words, “You will never wash my feet!” Like Peter, my mom had to humble herself and allow someone to care for her. I witnessed two sides of humility—giving of oneself to the service of others and humbling oneself to allow someone to care for you. These are powerful lessons that Jesus is conveying to us and the timing makes it even more meaningful.

When I sat by my mom’s bedside, I knew these were the last days I would spend with her on this earth. Her words and final lessons became more important because they were her last instructions. Keeping this in mind, I look at today’s Scripture from the same perspective.

Jesus knows He is going to die. These are His last moments to speak to the Apostles and bring home the lessons He wants them to learn. Humbling Himself, He did more than wash their feet. He prepared to give up His life and established the Holy Eucharist so that all of us would never be without Him. Jesus loved and gave of Himself to the end.

As we enter the Triduum, whether our Lent went well or poorly, let’s walk with Jesus in His Passion all the way to the end. Let’s focus on His willingness to humble Himself completely, because He loves us that much. He wants to save us and bring us to new life.

Jesus loved and gave of Himself to the end.Click to tweet

Does your parish do the traditional washing of the feet? Read a little on the reasons behind the tradition.

Bobbi Rol is a wife, mama and blogger living on the Monterey Bay in CA with her husband, teen daughter, and three rambunctious boys. When she is not dodging light sabers or stepping on Legos, she can be found outside with her family, catching a late night movie, or decorating her planner. You can find out more about her here.