Aren’t you glad?

In this reflective Maundy Thursday sermon from *Dear Padre*, the host explores the dual symbolism of Jesus' Last Supper—foot washing and the Eucharist—as acts of radical servant leadership. He contrasts the intimacy and vulnerability of foot washing, which humbles even the most powerful, with the sacred act of communion, emphasizing that both are essential to Christian identity. Drawing from personal experiences as a chaplain and moments of deep vulnerability, he illustrates how true leadership is not about authority or prestige, but about being willing to serve, to wash feet, and to meet people in their brokenness. The sermon culminates in a profound meditation on the Eucharist as the living presence of Christ across time, space, and circumstance—universally practiced, deeply personal, and eternally transformative. The episode closes with a powerful quote from Dom Gregory Dix, underscoring the enduring, unifying power of the sacrament across human history. Key takeaways include: (1) Leadership in the church must be defined by service, not status; (2) Vulnerability is not weakness but the gateway to healing and connection; (3) The Eucharist is not just a ritual but a living encounter with Christ; (4) Every person, regardless of background, is worthy of being seen, washed, and fed; and (5) The church’s greatest mission is to be a place where people can come with their 'dirty feet' and be met with grace. The tone is deeply reverent, intimate, and hopeful, rooted in personal testimony and theological depth.