MANDATUM NOVUM DO VOBIS…

Here, in English translation, is an excerpt from Pope Francis’ homily in the  youth incarceration center for the Liturgy of the Lord’s Supper this Holy Thursday:

 

“…we don’t have to wash each other’s feet each day. So what does this mean? That we have to help each other…sometimes I would get angry with one someone, but we must let it go and if they ask a favor, do it!

Help one another. This is what Jesus teaches us. This is what I do. And I do it with my heart. I do this with my heart because it is my duty, as a priest and bishop I must be at your service. But it is a duty that comes from my heart and a duty I love. I love doing it because this is what the Lord has taught me. But you too must help us and help each other, always. And thus in helping each other we will do good for each other.”

 

It strikes me that this message to imprisoned youth is similar to the word given by God (aka, George Burns) in Oh, God!:  “It can work.  And be kind to one another.”

The New Covenant is indeed simple:  “Love one another as I have loved you.”  The Original Covenant is also simple:  “Love the LORD your God with all your heart…Love your neighbor…Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.”  NOT easy—just simple.  And we don’t do it—why?  Because we don’t get it?  Or, perhaps, because we do??  Let’s try a little helping, a little forgiveness.  It can work…