Christ Washing the Feet of His Disciples Nicolas Bertin, ca. 1720–30
Tomorrow, Holy Thursday, during the Mandatum (washing of feet), the Church will sing the ancient, eighth-century hymn Ubi Caritas:
Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est—“Where there is charity and love, there is God.”
As these words rise, Christ kneels. He washes the feet of men who will soon scatter. Yet He pours out His cleansing Charity anyway, expecting nothing in return.
In the pouring out of wisdom, the magnanimous teacher imitates Christ. The teacher freely lowers himself to the student. He humbly invites the child into conversation with the greatest of human thought, action, and deed. And he calls the pupil to greatness, to transcend ignorance and selfishness, to seek Truth through Christ’s Charity.
To every magnanimous teacher and school leader: thank you.
For the selfless love you show in the classroom: thank you.
For the patient partnership you build with families in the formation of their children: thank you.
For the meaningful conversations you have with a supporter, inviting each to become citizens of your school’s mission: thank you.
For the renewal of Catholic education: thank you.
For “where there is charity and love, there is God.”
May the “love of Christ,” as the words of Ubi Caritas go on to say, gather you, your students, and families, and the entire Church “into one” this Holy Week, through the Easter Season, and beyond.
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