So many ideas come to mind when we observe and reflect on what happened on the first Thursday
we now call Holy Thursday.
We need to see, yes, but we need also to… listen,
listen to what is said by this man who is aware that his life is soon coming to an end.
He has much to say to his apostles, the friends who have walked with him for the past 3 years.
But very early on during their celebration of the Passover meal, he asked them a question.
A very simple question, one that we ask one another very often.
But the answer to HIS question is very… demanding:
“Do you understand?…” (Jn.13:12)
During the years spent with him, many times his apostles had not understood what he was saying
or what he was doing.
They waited to question him at night time, away from the crowds. (Mk.4:10; 7:17)
One day, he had openly asked them:
“Do you not yet understand? Have you no perception? Are your minds closed?” (Mark 8:17)
That was some time ago, what about tonight?… 
He had just done something unusual for the ‘Teacher’ that he is: He had washed their feet –
the work of a servant.
No wonder, he needs to ask:
“Do you understand what I have done for you?”
He goes on to explain the meaning of his unusual gesture. 
They are to learn from it – learn the hard lesson of service.
I ask myself: ‘What if Christ asked me today that very same question…’
What he has done for me… in my life… over the years…
Have I understood?
Somehow, I feel I need still to understand much of what he did… what he does for me every day…
Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/jeudi-saint-annee-c-2019/
And a blog is also offered at: https://image-i-nations.com/noublie-pas-2/