The Mass of the Lord's Supper - Fr. Paul Alger, L.C.

·26 min·2 clips

Jesus washes his disciples' feet, telling Peter, 'Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.'

The episode is a homily delivered by Fr. Paul Alger, L.C., for the Mass of the Lord's Supper, which opens the Holy Triduum. It begins with a reading from the Gospel of John describing Jesus washing the disciples' feet and the dialogue with Peter. Fr. Paul frames this liturgy as the center of all history, leading into a contemplation of the mysteries celebrated: the Eucharist, the priesthood, and the commandment of charity. He asks listeners to imagine the scene from an outsider's view, specifically mentioning the high priest Caiaphas whose house was nearby in Jerusalem. Fr. Paul shares a personal anecdote from visiting the Holy Land, noting the physical proximity of these historical sites. He then guides the meditation into the hearts of the disciples, describing their likely distraction and gradual realization of the gravity of the moment as Jesus speaks of the Trinity, the Eucharist, and ordains them as priests. A key moment is Fr. Paul's personal reflection on the reality of the Eucharist, stating his faith would collapse without it. The homily shifts to contemplating Jesus's perspective as the Second Person of the Trinity offering the perfect sacrifice. Fr. Paul emphasizes the humility of God in washing feet and giving himself in the Eucharist. The tone becomes more prayerful, asking for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to understand these mysteries. The final segment is liturgical, containing prayers of the faithful for the Church, priests, peace, and those who have left the faith. It concludes with the presentation and explanation of the holy oils—the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Holy Chrism—blessed by Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama for sacramental use in the diocese.

As heard by us

A grounded homily on foot washing, priesthood, and the grace behind Christian service.

The Mass of the Lord's Supper is framed around John's account of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, with the homily moving from that gesture into the Eucharist, priesthood, grace, and service.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Press play when Peter's refusal to be washed feels more familiar than the invitation to let grace reach you first.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from St. Joseph Catholic Church Raleigh, NC