LET US PRAY
Musical Reflection on Jesus’ Death
Prior to this activity, find a crucifix to use as a piece on which to focus during this time of prayer. If you do not have a crucifix in your home, you may find an
image of one or print one out, as well.
Additionally, find a recording of Mozart’s Lacrimosa to play during this time of reflection.
Ask everyone to sit comfortably together in a place in which they can all see the crucifix and to become as quiet as possible. Explain that you all will be taking
some time to focus on the fact that Jesus died to redeem us from our sins.
You will be playing a song that is sung in another language, called Latin. It is called “Lacrimosa” (meaning, “Requiem,” a Mass for the dead), composed in 1791 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This is a small part of a larger composition. While you listen to the song, stare at Jesus on the cross and see how this song makes your heart feel. When we are done listening, we will talk about how we felt, what we thought about, or anything else you would like to share.
Play Lacrimosa for your family. It is between 3 and 4 minutes long.
After playing the song, ask your family members:
- How did that song make you feel, as you gazed upon Jesus on the cross? What else came to your mind when you were listening?
- What do you think the song is about?
- What do you think about Jesus dying for us?
In case your family is interested, here are the lyrics and translation of the piece:
Lacrimosa dies illa
Qua resurget ex favilla
Judicandus homo reus.
Huic ergo parce, Deus:
Pie Jesu Domine,
Dona eis requiem. Amen.
Sorrowful day,
When rising from the dust,
Guilty man to be judged.
God have mercy,
Compassionate Lord Jesus,
Grant them peace. Amen.
Upon finishing this activity, add your crucifix to your sacred space.
BREAK OPEN THE SCRIPTURE
Prior to this time of prayer, collect all supplies needed for the foot washing in order to make things smoother and calmer during the actual process of washing each other’s feet:
- 1 large bowl
- 1 pitcher (or something from which to pour water onto feet) full of water
- 1 towel per person if possible
- 1 chair per person, arranged in a semi-circle if possible
Ask each family member to sit in their chair.
On Holy Thursday, we remember the Last Supper. (You may choose to show your child(ren) a sacred image of the Last Supper to remind them of what you are referring to.)
When Jesus was having His last meal with friends, He did something amazing. He chose to wash the feet of His friends. Jesus, the SON OF GOD, chose to wash the feet of regular people. And these people wore sandals everywhere, so their feet were extremely dirty and smelly. This was a wonderful act of humility and love for His friends.
Read the account of the washing of the feet aloud in the following scripture passage: Jn 13:1-15
Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come
to pass from this world to the Father.
He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.
The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over.
So, during supper,
fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power
and that he had come from God and was returning to God,
he rose from supper and took off his outer garments.
He took a towel and tied it around his waist.
Then he poured water into a basin
and began to wash the disciples’ feet
and dry them with the towel around his waist.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him,
“Master, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“What I am doing, you do not understand now,
but you will understand later.”
Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered him,
“Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.”
Simon Peter said to him,
“Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.”
Jesus said to him,
“Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed,
for he is clean all over;
so you are clean, but not all.”
For he knew who would betray him;
for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
So when he had washed their feet
and put his garments back on and reclined at table again,
he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you?
You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am.
If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet,
you ought to wash one another’s feet.
I have given you a model to follow,
so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
Now, just like Jesus did for His friends, we are going to quietly wash each other’s feet. Light a candle and encourage everyone to stay as quiet and peaceful as possible.
Depending on the size and make-up of your family, consider one of the following models for making sure that everyone has a turn to both wash and be washed:
- One person goes through the entire line and washes everyone’s feet. When finished, they take the seat of someone, and the next person does the same until everyone has had a turn.
- Have one person wash the feet of one family member. Then, they sit down, and the person whose feet were just washed get up and wash the next person’s feet. This continues until each member of the family has had their feet washed once and have washed one other family member’s feet.
- Partner your family members up, providing one bowl per set of 2 members. Have one member wash the other’s feet. Then, trade places so the person washing has a chance to have their feet washed by the person who was just sitting down.
After someone is done washing the feet of a family member, encourage them to look that family member in the eyes and say, “Thank you for letting me wash your feet.”
Once this is complete, ask all members of your family to come to your sacred space. Light the candle, and recite the following prayer:
Lord, You humbled Yourself on Holy Thursday before dying for us on Good Friday. Father, we thank You for washing our feet and loving us so much that You would die for us. Please show us ways that we can continue to make sacrifices for those around us as we reflect on Your life and death. We love You. Amen.