It is 18th April 2019. It is our 39th Independence Day for our country beloved Zimbabwe that still searching for freedom from corruption, false promises, mismanagement and the abuse of national resources. Praying with the daughters, sons of Zimbabwe who have been exposed and made naked by poverty, brutality, oppression and indifference of the power-hungry leaders of our motherland. The unimaginable skyrocketing prices that has made our people once again slaves and poor to the core in our mother land. Tears have been dried; words are withered in our lips; stomachs are getting emptied by the greediness of many. We are about to leave Lent and enter the liturgical time known as “Triduum.” We begin the most sacred time of three days’ observance, specifically Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. We celebrate today the Maundy Thursday, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The readings are from Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; the second reading is from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; and the Gospel from John 13:1-15. As the Lord instituted the Most Holy Eucharist as the eternal abiding presence among us and asking us to continue the memorial by the chosen ones for the Lord’s service. He continues to be with the humble service of our Priests. We need to pray for our Arch Bishop Alex Thomas and all the priests more specially for those priests who are working in our own parishes. There is no memory without love. Love remembers everything with gratitude in hearts. The first reading narrates the maiden Passover meal after their liberation by participating and partaking in it. The Passover was celebrated as the thanksgiving to the Lord by the Israelites. The Blood of Christ Jesus alone offers the protection and salvation for all those who are under sinful and inhuman slavery. Service to the humanity adds fullness through the celebration of the Most Holy Eucharist. Without love we cannot serve and without service we cannot have a fruitful and meaningful memorial of the Lord. Humility and love are the basis for our expression of faith in Jesus. In the second reading, St. Paul confesses the importance of institution of the Eucharist in the Church. Our faith in the Lord will remain vacuum without the tangible presence of the Lord in the Most Holy Eucharist. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Cor. 11:26). Christianity remains meaningful and resourceful by the Sacrament, Service and sanctity of each one of us. The responsorial Psalm praises, “Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.” The Gospel reminds us the much-awaited service we all owe to the humanity. It is the Last Supper scene. Priest enacts the washing of the feet during the Eucharistic celebration today not as a drama but to have a drastic decision to be made by all those who witness it. Even though washing of feet was the act of a slave to the master, now the Master and the Saviour Jesus stoops down to wash the disciples not only to clean but to empower them to serve as He did. Bathing has already happened through the Sacrament of Baptism; we all need to wash ourselves before participating in the Lord’s banquet through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Washing is not merely cultural but is deeply spiritual too. The passage reminds all of us, “Not all of you are clean.” (Jn.13:10). We all need to be cleansed by the Blood of the Lamb, Jesus during this time. We all need to come down, kneel down, stoop down to serve those who are marginalised and neglected by us in our society. A radically new and soul-stirring discipleship proposed by Jesus. Unless we are washed by the Blood of the Lamb, we cannot wash the dirt of the other. The commandment of love is sealed in the covenantal sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. Without the Most Holy Eucharist, our souls will be oppressed and succumbed to the vicious and cunning ripples of sins. We cannot reach Heaven without the eye of mercy and forgiveness. May the broken and bruised Christ be seen in the brutalised humanity around. May our celebrations of Sacrifice, service, and love not just ended within the compound walls of the church but rather to be witness among the members of community, family and places of work. May the Lord bless all our priests who bring the Most Eucharist alive by their commitment, holy life and personal sacrifice. May I request your efficacious prayers for me to continue His service in humility and holiness with charity. May you have a good day. May God bless you.