Reflection for April 30 Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter: John 13:16-20

Gospel: John 13:16-20

When Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet, he said to them: “Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. I am not speaking of all of you. 

I know those whom I have chosen. But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me. From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM.

Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

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Reflection:

What is the weakness of many followers of Jesus? It is this: we sometimes act and behave as if we are greater than Jesus. Quietly, subtly, we allow pride to take root in our hearts. This is the failing of many who claim to follow Him.

But a true follower does not seek to become somebody in the eyes of the world. We do not strive to elevate ourselves on a pedestal of recognition or importance. Instead, we are called to embrace the hidden path—to be content with becoming “nobodies” in the vast ocean of humanity that follows Jesus. In this hiddenness, we find our true purpose.

We serve quietly. We labor faithfully. We give of ourselves without needing applause or acknowledgment, always keeping in our hearts the mission to advance the teachings and goodness of Jesus in this world.

In the Gospel, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. At first glance, it may seem like a simple act, but beneath it lies a profound and transforming message. The Lord of all chose to kneel. The Master became the servant. In that sacred moment, He showed us that true greatness is found in humility.

Without humility, we cannot bear fruit in our mission. Without humility, our words may sound empty, and our witness may fail to draw others closer to God. But with humility, our lives become living testimonies of Christ’s love.

If we truly call ourselves followers of Jesus, then we are invited—every single day—to walk the path He walked: a path marked not by pride, but by gentleness; not by self-exaltation, but by self-giving love. We are called to remain humble at all times—not arrogant, not overbearing, but quietly faithful, even when others are not.

For in the end, it is humility that separates genuine disciples from those who follow only when it is easy.

So today, let us pause and look within our hearts:

Are we seeking recognition, or are we seeking to serve?

Are we trying to be seen, or are we willing to be hidden for the sake of Christ?

And this is the challenge we must face:

Are we truly willing to lower ourselves so that Jesus may be lifted up in our lives?—Marino J. Dasmarinas