Holy Thursday

Blessed Peter Gonzalez

Franciscan Media Spirituality to renew your soul

Saint Paul had a conversion experience on the road to Damascus. Many years later, the same proved true for Peter Gonzalez, who triumphantly rode his horse into the Spanish city of Astorga in the 13th century to take up an important post at the cathedral. The animal stumbled and fell, leaving Peter in the mud and onlookers amused.

Humbled, Peter reevaluated his motivations—his bishop-uncle had secured the cathedral post for him—and started down a new path. He became a Dominican priest and proved to be a most effective preacher. He spent much of his time as court chaplain, and attempted to exert positive influence on the behavior of members of the court. After King Ferdinand III and his troops defeated the Moors at Cordoba, Peter was successful in restraining the soldiers from pillaging, and persuaded the king to treat the defeated Moors with compassion.

After retiring from the court, Peter devoted the remainder of his life to preaching in northwest Spain. Having developed a special mission to Spanish and Portuguese seamen, he is considered their patron.

Peter Gonzalez died in 1246 and was beatified in 1741.
(2 Minute Read)

“So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, 'Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’  and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.'”
– Jn 13:12-15

"You Will Never Wash My Feet!"

Kate Fowler Blog Editor for the Catholic Apostolate Center

The washing of the disciples’ feet was the act of a dying man. With the last few moments of his precious life, Jesus knelt down. In the last hours with his closest friends, he served. This was the manifestation of the new commandment he was to give moments later at the Last Supper: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.”

Love. This is what it is all about—the meaning of the Christian life. Jesus models love by washing not only the feet of his beloved friends, but of those who will betray him. He knows not only of Judas’ betrayal, but also of Peter’s—which probably stung him even more. He knows Peter, James, and John will fall asleep with him in the Garden. He knows that almost all of his disciples will flee during his torture and crucifixion. And yet he removes his outer garments and kneels to wash their dusty feet.
It would not have been a pleasant affair; their feet would have been caked in dirt and bathed in dust. Perhaps their toenails were long. The feet of these gruff men would have stunk. But I do not imagine that Christ poured just a few drops of water on their feet ceremoniously and then moved on. I believe he spent a few quiet moments with each Apostle, truly washing their feet clean of dirt and grime, and making each feel like the only person in the room. I imagine him drying them tenderly, and looking up with eyes that said, “I do all of this for you.”
(5 Minute Read)

A reflection on Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

The Pilgrim Soul Podcast Catholic podcast about the journey of faith in the modern world.

A reflection on Mary Oliver’s poem “Gethsemane.”
(13 Minute Listen)

We have one more meatless Friday this Lent, here's a recipe for tomorrow!

Veritas Fitness Healthy starts at home. Meal prep simplified for busy families.

Ingredients:

2 - 15oz cans black beans, drained
2 - 14oz cans diced tomatoes
1 - 14oz can pumpkin puree (not pie filling!)
2 onions, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 tbsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves
Salt & pepper to taste

A.M.D.G.