Today we recall the institution of the Eucharist, the sacrament of love that makes itself service (cf. John 13:1-15). At that farewell dinner, Jesus begins to wash the feet of his disciples, revealing the surprising newness of his mystery and the dynamics of love that should distinguish his followers: bend down to others, be available to all and everyone so as to reach the stature of the Master and Lord, the freedom of a love without measure. It is in that light that the ministry of priests, whose institution is united with today’s celebration, must be understood. The priest is no more than a man who loves and serves, who gives and forgives, a poor man who enriches, a sinner who reconciles, because nothing that has been given to him can be withheld. His life is a gift, it is shared bread, an extension of the Eucharist, because “He [God] willed to place in us the seed of love, which is our resemblance to Him” (CCD XI, 131).
Vinícius Augusto Teixeira, C.M
