Holy Thursday: Love is given before you earn it.

Much of our lives are about proving ourselves—through work, success, relationships, or the way we are perceived by others. We measure our worth by what we accomplish and how we are received.

Holy Thursday offers a different view. Jesus gathers with His disciples, fully aware of what is coming. He knows betrayal is near, yet He does not withdraw. Instead, He draws closer. He kneels and washes their feet, taking the position of a servant.

Then He breaks bread and shares the cup: “This is my body… given for you.” Nothing is being earned in this moment. Everything is being given.

This is the ultimate truth of the Gospel: before we are asked, something has already been given to us.

“See what love the Father has bestowed, that we may be called children of God.”—1 John 3:1

Our identity in God is not achieved; it is something we receive. Holy Thursday is not “How do I prove myself?” but “Can I receive what has already been given?” It invites us into a way of living based on relationship, not accomplishment.