“You Will Understand Later”

A Holy Thursday Reflection for Servant Leaders in Community

“What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.”
— John 13:7

Today,  Holy Thursday, we are invited into one of the most intimate and instructive moments in the life of Christ—the washing of the disciples’ feet. This quiet, almost hidden gesture by Jesus speaks volumes, especially to those of us who serve within faith communities. It is an act filled with mystery, humility, and prophetic meaning.

And yet, even His closest friends did not grasp it.

Peter’s discomfort and resistance echo the struggle many of us feel when we are called to serve in ways that feel beneath us, confusing, or costly. Jesus doesn’t offer an immediate explanation. Instead, He says:

“What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.”

This is a word of encouragement and formation for every community servant leader.

Servant Leadership Begins in Mystery

On that night, Jesus—our Lord and Master—rose from the table, set aside His garment, tied a towel around His waist, and knelt to wash His disciples’ feet.

“If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.”
— John 13:14

This was no symbolic act. It was a real expression of love, a model for leadership that redefines authority not as power, but as humble service.

As leaders in our community, we may not always understand why we’re called to specific acts of love, patience, or sacrifice. But like the apostles, we are asked to trust. Jesus knows what He is doing through us, and understanding will come in time.

The Hidden Work of a Leader

In community life, it’s not always the visible roles that shape the soul. It’s the quiet sacrifices:

• The late-night messages checking in on a struggling member.

• The willingness to listen without judgment.

• Saying “yes” to serve even when you feel unnoticed or tired.

• Encouraging unity when misunderstandings arise.

• Showing up consistently, even when no one applauds.

These are the modern-day moments of foot washing. They’re not glamorous—but they’re holy.

The temptation is to seek clarity before making a commitment. But Jesus reminds us: Obedience precedes understanding. Our formation happens in the doing.

Holy Thursday and the Call to Imitate Christ

Holy Thursday is not only about service; it’s about being conformed to Christ. It is the night He gives us:

• The Eucharist – the total gift of Himself.

• The priesthood – the model of spiritual fatherhood and stewardship.

• The new commandment – to love as He has loved.

“As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.”
— John 13:34

Servant leadership in community is Eucharistic—it is self-giving. It’s priestly—it is intercessory and sacrificial. It’s Christ-like—it is humble, patient, and faithful.

You Will Understand Later

Sometimes, our service feels like sowing seeds in the dark. We may not see immediate fruit. We may wonder if our love is enough or if our efforts truly matter.

But Jesus promises: “You will understand later.”

When we persevere in love, when we lower ourselves to lift others, when we embrace our calling to serve rather than to be served—we are walking in His footsteps.

And in time, we will see: every act of humble service is shaping hearts, forming souls, and building the Kingdom.

A Final Encouragement to Our Leaders

Dear Servant Leaders, thank you for the way you serve—quietly, generously, and with faith. You are living the mystery of Holy Thursday every time you choose love over comfort, unity over division, and service over status.

This Holy Week, let us recommit ourselves to the towel and the basin. Let us lead not with pride, but with the strength of humility. Let us trust that even when we do not understand now, God is working through our “yes.”

“If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.”
— John 13:17