02/04/2026
APRIL 2, 2026 | Maundy Thursday
We have just started the Paschal Triduum, the three most sacred days of the Church: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday. These days remind us of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Today, we celebrate Maundy Thursday. The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin word "mandatum," which means "command." This refers to the new commandment of Jesus in the Gospel of John (Jn 13:34): “Love one another as I have loved you.”
Because of this, we are invited to reflect: How obedient are we to God’s commands?
In the Book of Exodus, God gave clear instructions to the Israelites through Moses on how to celebrate the Passover. They were told what to prepare, how to eat, and when to do it. The Israelites followed what God commanded. But before they acted, they first had to say yes. Without saying yes to God, we cannot obey Him. And if we do not obey Him, we cannot receive the help and freedom He wants to give.
In the Gospel, Jesus washes the feet of His disciples. Through this, He teaches us that love leads to service. If we love, we serve. If we love, we humble ourselves. If we love, we are willing to wash the feet of others. Where there is a command, there must be obedience.
But look at Peter. At first, he refused. There was hesitation. There was resistance. Peter reflects our own struggles. Sometimes we are not ready. Sometimes we question. Sometimes we hold back. Yet Jesus waited for Peter’s yes. When Peter accepted, he was able to share fully in what Jesus was doing.
This reminds us: Before service, there must be surrender. Before action, there must be acceptance. God does not force us to obey. He waits for our yes.
True servanthood is not measured by how much we do, but by how we respond to His command.
In the Book of Psalms, it says: “How can I repay the Lord for His goodness to me?” The answer is simple: to receive His grace, to give thanks, and to keep our promises to Him. This is our yes: a yes that leads to obedience, and an obedience that becomes service.
So today, let us ask ourselves: Am I willing to say yes to God’s command?
Because in the end, God waits for our yes.
Acknowledgment: This reflection is inspired by the homily of the Most Rev. Rex C. Ramirez, D.D. during the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper.