Vincent's Holy Thursday Question

I took Vincent with me to the Mass of the Lord's Supper.  I'm so glad I did.  My mom had originally wanted to watch him for me, but I declined because I really wanted him to witness such a special Mass.

I know some people think it's silly to take young kids to Mass.  The argument is that they don't really understand what's going on and are more of a distraction than anything else to others who are attending.  I get that.  I used to leave Vincent at home for those same reasons.  However, after coming to understand what a benefit it is bringing him with me (religious education and formation, exercising patience, and being in the Presence of Jesus), I couldn't imagine leaving him home for the celebration of the Mass from which all other Masses would follow, emulate and unite with.

When he realized where we were going, he pitched a fit, of course.  However, as soon as we got into the family room, he nestled against me and relaxed quietly for the rest of the Mass.  He was content to stay on my lap, which amazed the elderly couple in the room with us (sparse crowd - *sigh*).

Anyway, as Father knelt to clean the feet of the 12, I wondered how each one of them felt as he approached them.  I wondered what the Apostles had thought and felt as Christ approached them, considering that the act of washing feet was considered beneath even a Jewish slave's dignity.  Obviously St. Peter recoiled in horror at the thought, and no doubt the other apostles probably tried to get Christ off His Knees, but that act of Ordination must have been completed to prepare them for the serving role they'd take on as priests.

Yet they wouldn't understand that until Pentecost.  Not until the grace of the Holy Spirit removed the veil from their eyes would they realize what this act meant for them.

So as Father Piotr put his chausable back on, I choked back tears, realizing that Christ must've put on his outer garments in much the same manner - what were the Apostles thinking at that moment? 

Anyway, after the Eucharistic celebration, as the lights were dimmed and the Procession towards the place of repose completed, people started shuffling out of the Church.  As the lights went out, one by one, and the sanctuary was emptied of its candles, furniture and linens, Vincent's little voice asked, "What happened?"

Actually, it sounds more like "Bah bappened?" but the point is, he understood that something very special was taking place and wanted to know why it was happening.

All I could think to answer in a hushed whisper was, "Jesus sacrificed Himself.  He died so we could live."

May the rest of your Triduum be blessed.

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