Today we commemorate the institution of the Eucharist by Jesus at the Last Supper. The Last Supper was a Passover meal when the Jews commemorated their liberation from lives of slavery in Egypt and the beginning of their 40 years trek across the desert until they reached the Promised Land. The First Reading describes that 'last supper' they had before setting off. At its centre was the lamb which they ate and whose blood had been put on the doorposts of their houses so that the angel of the Lord would 'pass over' on his way to destroy the first-born of Egypt. However, at this meal with Jesus, there is a new Lamb, which is Jesus himself, whose blood poured out will bring salvation to the whole world. What is noteworthy in today's liturgy is that the Gospel speaks not of the Eucharist but of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. The message is clear. The celebration of the Eucharist cannot be separated from our living lives of love and service to all our brothers and sisters.