Reflect today on Jesus' humility

Reflect today on Jesus 'humility. After washing the disciples' feet, Jesus said to them: “Most assuredly, I tell you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand it, you are blessed if you do it ”. John 13: 16-17

During this, the fourth week of Easter, we return to the Last Supper and we will spend a few weeks considering the discourse that Jesus gave that Holy Thursday evening to his disciples. The question to ask today is this: "Are you blessed?" Jesus says you are blessed if you "understand" and "do" what He teaches His disciples. So what did he teach them?

Jesus offers this prophetic action with which he assumed the role of a slave by washing the disciples' feet. His action was much stronger than words, as the saying goes. The disciples were humiliated by this act and Peter initially refused it. There is no doubt that this humble act of service, with which Jesus lowered himself before his disciples, made a strong impression on them.

The worldly view of greatness is very different from that taught by Jesus. Worldly greatness is a process of elevating yourself in the eyes of others, striving to let them know how good you are. Worldly greatness is often driven by fear of what others might think of you and a desire to be honored by all. But Jesus wants to be clear that we will be great only if we serve. We must humble ourselves before others, supporting them and their goodness, honoring them and showing them the deepest love and respect. By washing his feet, Jesus completely abandoned the worldly view of greatness and called his disciples to do the same.

Reflect today on Jesus' humility. Humility is sometimes difficult to understand. This is why Jesus said, “If you understand this…” He realized that the disciples, as well as all of us, will struggle to understand the importance of humiliating ourselves before others and serving them. But if you understand humility, you will be "blessed" when you live it. You will not be blessed in the eyes of the world, but you will truly be blessed in the eyes of God.

Humility is especially achieved when we purify our desire for honor and prestige, when we overcome any fear of being mistreated, and when, in place of this desire and fear, we desire abundant blessings on others, even before ourselves. This love and this humility are the only way to this mysterious and profound depth of love.

Reflect, today, on this humble act of the Son of God, the Savior of the world, who humbles himself before his disciples, serving them as if he were a slave. Try to imagine yourself doing it for others. Think of various ways you can more readily go out of your way to put others and their needs before yours. Try to eliminate any selfish desire you struggle with and identify any fear that holds you back from humility. Understand this gift of humility and live it. Only then will you be truly blessed.

Reflect today on the humility of Jesus, prayer: My humble Lord, you gave us the perfect example of love when you chose to serve your disciples with great humility. Help me understand this beautiful virtue and live it. Free me from all selfishness and fear so that I can love others as you have loved all of us. Jesus I believe in you.