166 Acta Apostolicae Sedis - Commentarium Officiale

of the Gospel: Mercy. We are called to bring the balm of God's merciful

love to the whole human family, binding up wounds, bringing hope where

despair so often seems to have the upper hand.

As you now prepare to "go forth" at the end of this Eucharistic Con-

gress, there are two gestures of Jesus at the Last Supper which I would

ask you to reflect on. Both have to do with the missionary dimension of

the Eucharist. They are table fellowship and the washing of feet.

We know how important it was for Jesus to share meals with his disci-

ples, but also, and especially, with sinners and the outcast. Sitting at table,

Jesus was able to listen to others, to hear their stories, to appreciate their

hopes and aspirations, and to speak to them of the Father's love. At each

Eucharist, the table of the Lord's Supper, we should be inspired to follow

his example, by reaching out to others, in a spirit of respect and openness,

in order to share with them the gift we ourselves have received.

In Asia, where the Church is committed to respectful dialogue with the

followers of other religions, this prophetic witness most often takes place,

as we know, through the dialogue of life. Through the testimony of lives

transformed by God's love, we best proclaim the Kingdom's promise of rec-

onciliation, justice and unity for the human family. Our example can open

hearts to the grace of the Holy Spirit, who leads them to Christ the Savior.

The other image which the Lord offers us at the Last Supper is the

washing of feet. On the eve of his passion, Jesus washed the feet of his

disciples as a sign of humble service, of the unconditional love with which

he gave his life on the Cross for the salvation of the world. The Eucharist

is a school of humble service. It teaches us readiness to be there for others.

This too is at the heart of missionary discipleship.

Here I think of the aftermath of the typhoon. It brought immense dev-

astation to the Philippines, yet it also brought in its wake an immense out-

pouring of solidarity, generosity and goodness. People set about rebuilding

not just homes, but lives. The Eucharist speaks to us of that power, which

flows from the Cross and constantly brings new life. It changes hearts. It

enables us to be caring, to protect the poor and the vulnerable, and to be

sensitive to the cry of our brothers and sisters in need. It teaches us to

act with integrity and to reject the injustice and corruption which poison

the roots of society.