A moment of grace with John-Paul II

25 years ago on Holy Thursday, I was one of 12 whose feet were washed and kissed by Pope John-Paul II at the Basilica of Saint John in the Lateran, Rome. What a terrific moment of grace, of insight, of humility! At the time, I almost hesitated because I was studying for one of my post graduate exams. Today I am glad I went to the service.

The gravity of the event didn't strike me until the ceremony began. The intensity of the celebration was unlike any other Holy Thursday I have ever since experienced. Security was tight at the Basilica where the ceremony is annually performed. The church is always packed during Holy Week. With so much media attention, many in the congregation could barely see this ancient enactment of Jesus.

My own "foot-washing" was a very personal experience between the Pope and I. I felt humbled. Few people want to serve like Jesus. Too many want to be served. We prove our faith by the good we do. What we do to each other, God takes personally. When we catch that "moment of grace" we can recognize the face of God. On a collective level, when we deprive others opportunities, God, I believe, takes it personally as well. We have a tremendous duty. We cannot sit idle.

That "moment of grace" 25 years ago on Holy Thursday changed my perspective as a person, as a man of God, as a Christian.