When I think about the worship service we do on Maundy Thursday I am drawn to thinking about service. Not the kind of service you provide because you feel an obligation to, but the kind of service that comes because of love. God loves his people so when they were enslaved by the Egyptians he served them in a way that enabled them to be set free. Jesus loved his disciples and showed them how much by washing their feet. He then encouraged them to wash each others to help them understand that they must love one another. Jesus then freely gave to all of us in the institution of the Eucharist and how it reminds us of the ultimate service of love in the sacrifice of himself on the cross.

Some of you will know that traditionally on Maundy Thursday there is a Chrism Mass that happens in cathedrals across the country. At this service the oils that we use for baptism, ordination and healing are blessed by the Bishop and then distributed at the end of the service. During the service those who are ordained as lay leaders or clergy, renew their commitment to continue to serve their parishes and Diocese. We are being reminded of our calling from God and how we serve the people we have been asked to serve. I remember when I first came to St Mary’s church and before Bishop Colin retired he said to me, all I ask is that you love the people of this place.

Sometimes it is easier to say that you love than it is to do, because doing love takes time, patience and often means sacrifice. In John chapter 21 Jesus says to Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter replies yes Lord you know that I love you. Jesus then says, ‘Feed my lambs.’ Peter doesn’t fully understand the task that is being asked of him and even after Jesus’ death and resurrection, there will be a lot more to learn.

 Jean Vanier once wrote that Peter doesn’t understand that the washing of the feet is not a new ritual that we can follow or not or that we should accomplish at certain moments. It is an essential part of his message of love. It is the revelation that in order to enter into the kingdom we have to become like little children; we need to be born from on high to discover who God is and who we are called to be. It is only if we receive the spirit of God that we can understand and live this message of littleness, humility and service to others. (Jean Vanier Drawn into the mystery of Jesus).

As a church congregation and as disciples of Christ, we are all called to be part of this community and to minister to this place in the sharing of the good news of the gospel. In reality that looks like volunteering time so that all of us can experience God’s love in the many different ways it is expressed.

 At a quiet day I attended we reflected on some of the words of Jesus. One of those sentences was, ‘How many loaves do you have?’ When I reflected on this I imagined that instead of my loaves (those who volunteer their time) producing crumbs enough to satisfy all, that my loaves  were turning into dust because they were being spread so thin.

 I think that many people have been left tired after the pandemic and compounded with the financial crisis are focusing on their needs. There is nothing wrong with doing this and it is important to make sure you are not spread too thin. All I would ask is if there are events or services in church or things that we do that you enjoy or would be sad to see not available, could you be a part of making sure we can continue them? Or at the least, if they have to discontinue due to lack of support, please understand rather than to direct your grievance towards those who are already being spread too thin.

 In recent weeks we have not been able to live stream our Sunday services because the only two people who volunteer their time to that role are unable to be here at this time. This shows how vulnerable we are to relying on others and I want to bring it to you as an example of why all of us should partake in this community. You are fed here and as members of this community and disciples of Christ we have a responsibility to share with each other the gifts that God has has bestowed upon us.

 In our gospel reading Jesus washes the feet of the disciples as an act of service to them, but also to encourage them to serve each other. This act is not just a kind thing to do, Jesus makes it clear how much more there is to it. When Peter says, You will never wash my feet, Jesus responds by saying unless I wash you, you have no share with me. Jesus is saying that to have a share with me is to share in the love between the Father and the Son (D. F. Ford pg 257) and in their unique dynamic of mutual glorifying, in their truth, and in their joy. For us to have a share in the coming kingdom requires us to make a commitment to serve one another and be part of a community. The Theologian David Ford says that as part of a community we are being called to the ‘summit of love’ love for God, for one another, and for the world- in order to become completely one.

Through the washing of feet Jesus is showing us that to love requires us to stretch ourselves beyond the boundaries of comfort to then have a share in the Kingdom. This is because bringing the Kingdom closer to earth requires change and change is not always easy or welcome. However through Jesus’ act of service to his disciples and ultimately to us, Jesus is showing us the fruits of change which are love.

 Dr Martin Luther King once said, ‘Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don’t need a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve….you only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.’

 As I have renewed my commitment to this place and to all of you, I would ask that you all think about your commitment as disciples of Christ and what that looks like to you. How can you show your love for God, love for each other and love to the world.

 Amen.