A Share with the Bishop

Today my Bishop gathered with his six priests of the Western Convocation of our diocese to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. That in itself is not too unusual. He is pastoral, caring, and available to his clergy. Today, however, was different. After the liturgy of the word and a homily he got down on his knees and washed our feet. The chapel was filled with the silence of great love and humility interrupted only by the sound of water. A hug followed the washing. My relationship with my Bishop has been forever changed. I now have a share with him (John 13:8).

After the foot washing we renewed our commitment to our ministry, under the pastoral direction of our bishop, and reaffirmed our promises

• to give our self to prayer and study;
• so to minister the Word of God and Sacraments of the New Covenant that the reconciling love of Christ may be known and received;and
• to be a faithful servant of all those committed to our care, patterning our life in accordance with the teachings of Christ, so that we may be a wholesome example to our people.

We prayed, “May the Lord who has given us the will to do these things, give us the grace and power to perform them.” All this was done within the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

I am deeply grateful for my Bishop, for my vocation and the people entrusted to my care, for this Holy Week, and for God revealed in Jesus Christ.