The New Normal

Holy Thursday is a night rich with symbolism and meaning. I couldn't attend Mass tonight, but I have vivid memories of this service from years past, especially the moments at the end, when the altar is stripped and the church slowly goes dark. Strangely, though this is the night when Jesus is handed over, and all of this week's readings have felt so dark and sinister, today's gospel is strikingly beautiful:

He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. ...
So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power
and that he had come from God and was returning to God,
he rose from supper and took off his outer garments.
He took a towel and tied it around his waist.
Then he poured water into a basin
and began to wash the disciples’ feet....

Jesus has reached the turning point in his ministry: he knows what he must do, and he is filled awareness of his divine power. But even as he moves on, he hasn't yet moved beyond his friends. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. 

Tonight, before Jesus shows his love by giving his life, he shows his love by humbling himself in service. There's not really more I can say about that, except to repeat Jesus' sentiment, that it is the model we are to follow.

If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet,
you ought to wash one another’s feet.
I have given you a model to follow,
so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

Lent is almost over. Good Friday will bring the agony of Jesus' crucifixion, and Easter will bring the glory of his resurrection. People will reclaim whatever it is they've given up (looking forward to a brownie here!) and to an extent, things will get back to normal.

This Lent feels a little different to me. I'm hoping to make "normal" feel a little different too.