no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him

“Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.” (JN 13: 16-17) 

These words were spoken after Our Lord had washed the Apostles’ feet to protect them and to give them the right perspective: we are sent, not proclaiming our wisdom or our ideas—we are sent to share with everyone God’s love for us. God is the focus and Our Lord is the focus, not us. We are “slaves” and “messengers” only. 

“Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, you have loved us and freed us from our sins by your Blood.” (Gospel Acclamation)