Lord Jesus, your words in today’s Gospel about our being mere servants, doing our duty without expectation of thanks, seems out of character in view of other relationships you mention in your teaching.
We are the sheep called by name to restful waters and green pastures. We are friends with whom you have shared your deepest secrets, especially the way into our Father’s heart. You became our servant, washing our feet and feeding us with your own body and blood in this Mass. But, above all, you died and rose for us, offering us forgiveness for our sins and a place in the new creation when all pain and suffering will be no more.
Help us to see, dear Jesus, that the shoe must be on the other foot, that we must spend our whole life thanking you for your love.
Amen