Our mission is to be messengers of the good news, Rev. Fr. Art Vincent Pangan, O.P. said during the homily on the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday, April 2, at the UST Plaza Mayor.

“Kung maganda ang inyong paa, dapat ang inyong dala-dala [ay] hindi chismis, kundi good news,” Pangan said.

The college of education regent said that those who carry the good news run across mountains, and do not complain even when they step on thorns. The feet of those who bring the good news are “calloused, worn out, and wounded,” adding that material things such as good shoes do not make the feet beautiful.

“Jesus knew how beautiful the feet of his disciples were,” Pangan said. “After this washing, they all set out and spread the good news.”

He explained that Christ’s washing of the feet of His disciples was a humble and self-denying gesture. While the washing of the feet was culturally practiced as a sign of hospitality, it is usually performed by the lowest servants, he added.

As Christ washed the feet of His disciples, He also washed the feet of all His followers.

In the midst of people’s pride, boasting, and attempts to outdo one another, Christ still washed their feet, Pangan said. “Siya'y nagpapababa at tinuturuan tayong maging mababa rin.”

Through this act, Christ gave the faithful the power and authority to face God, who once dwelt only in the Holy of Holies.

“How beautiful are our feet. Sana magawa natin ang misyon na ito,” Pangan concluded in his homily.