15: LAST SUPPER AND FRATERNITY

 

SERVANT OF YAHWEH, SERVANT OF THE APOSTLES

“Before the paschal feast began,

Jesus already knew that the time had come

   for his passage from this world to the Father.

He still loved those who were his own,

whom he was leaving in the world,

and he would give them the uttermost proof of his love.”

(Jn 13:1)

 

“Then when he had finished washing their feet and put on his garments,

he sat down again, and said to them

‘Do you understand what it is I have done to you?

You hail me as the Master, and the Lord;

and you are right, it is what I am.

Why then, if I have washed your feet,

   I who am the Master and the Lord,

you in your turn ought to wash each other’s feet;

I have been setting you an example,

which will teach you in turn to do what I have done for you.’”

(Jn 13:12-15)

 

“A new commandment I give to you,

that you love one another;

even as I have loved you,

that you also love one another.

By this all men will know

   that you are my disciples,

   if you have love for one another.”

(Jn 13:34-35)

 

“One who loves God loves all that God loves.” (St Thomas)

 

BROKEN BREAD THAT IS GIVEN

“We are chosen, blessed and broken so as to be given. 

The fourth aspect of the life of the Beloved is to be given. 

In giving it becomes clear that we are chosen, blessed and broken

   not simply for our own sakes,

   but so that all we live finds its final significance in its being lived for others.

“Both of us know from experience

   the joy that comes from being able to do something for another person. 

You have done much for me,

   and I will always be grateful to you for what you have given me. 

Part of my gratitude, however,

   is the result of seeing you so happy in giving me so much. 

It is so much easier to be grateful for a gift given in joy

   than for a gift given with hesitation or reluctance.

“What a wonderful mystery this is! 

Our greatest fulfillment lies in giving ourselves to others. 

Although it often seems that people give only to receive,

I believe that,

   beyond all our desires to be appreciated, rewarded and acknowledged,

there lies a simple and pure desire to give.

“Just as bread needs to be broken in order to be given, so, too, do our lives.”

(H Nouwen, Life of the Beloved)

 

LEARNING TO LOVE

The problem is HOW? (‘Charity’, ‘affection’ can get worn out.)

scite benefácere.”

“Learn to do good.” (Is 1:17)

 

WHERE DO I START?

Tip 1: “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” (Jas 5:16)

      (Let us assume we are ‘righteous’.)

      “This is and will always be the first and most fundamental assistance

         that we should render to souls: prayer.” (St Josemaría, Furrow, 472)

Tip 2: Where do I think are others lacking?

      Noli vinci a malo, sed vince in bono malum.” (Rom 12:21)

Tip 3: What would you tell the people under you when faced with the same?

Tip 4: Thoughtfulness. (Even in our apostolic work, it works wonders!)

Tip 5: Being considerate. 

Tip 6: Kindness.

Tip 7: Good manners.

Tip 8: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”

      (Rom 12:15)

Tip 9: If nothing else works.

      “Be merciful, as your heavenly Father is also merciful.” (Lk 6:36)

Tip 10: Do not forget God’s infinite power.

“A new heart I will give you,

and a new spirit I will put within you;

I will take out of your flesh the heart of stone

and give you a heart of flesh.’ (Ezech 36:26)

 

BE THE GOOD SHEPHERD

“The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep,

whereas the hireling, who is no shepherd,

   and does not claim the sheep as his own,

abandons the sheep and takes to flight

as soon as he sees the wolf coming.” (Lk 22:6)

 

“Cuando estoy cansado, cuando no puedo más,

pienso en mis hijos y en las almas que nos esperan,

y vuelvo a esforzarme en la vida interior.”

“When I am tired, and I can do no more,

I think of my children and of the souls that await us,

and I renew my efforts in the interior life.”

(St Josemaría)

 

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Immaculate Heart of Mary

 

THE LITANY OF LOVE

“Love is

   patient and kind,

   not jealous or boastful;

   not arrogant or rude.

Love does not insist on its own way;

it is not irritable or resentful;

it does not rejoice at wrong,

   but rejoices in the right.

Love bears all things,

   believes all things,

   hopes all things,

   endures all things.” (I Cor 13:4-7)

 

C:\Documents and Settings\user\My Documents\RETREAT\crt_15LastSupper&Fraternity.rtf

Revised 25 March 2005