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I’m not sure how it came about but one parish I was in years ago did not include the washing of feet in their Holy Thursday Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
The washing of feet is an optional part of the liturgy and perhaps because it is awkward and pushes us beyond our comfort zones it is often omitted from Holy Thursday liturgy…
…which is why it is helpful to recall Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.
In that parish I soon discovered as the people were arriving for the Holy Thursday evening Mass that they had for the past hour been gathered in homes all over the parish in groups of about a dozen…
…to chat…
…to eat a simple meal…
…to read the passage (this evening’s Gospel reading) of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples…
…and to wash each other’s feet.
Then these parishioners converged on the Church, without conversation, in informal and gently sombre procession, ready to celebrate the Eucharist.
And, yes, it was evident that they were ready.
You see, when in each other’s homes, when eating at table together, and especially when washing feet and having feet washed, tensions evaporate, difficulties dissolve, and healing happens.
Many people comment that if they had to opt for one Holy Thursday role they would choose to wash the feet of another rather than to have their own feet washed.
I understand this.
Most of us find humble reception of tender care and love very difficult. We find it easier to be the tender one, the caring and the loving one.
Something about that feels right for we who would rather do than to be.
But note that the Jesus’ instruction for his disciples to go and wash the feet of others comes only after he has knelt before each of them and washed their feet.
Jesus washes their feet.
Too quickly we jump into action rushing to serve others. But today, even if only for the peaceful evening hours, we let Jesus wash our feet.
There’s the place for our prayer today. Know that Jesus is kneeling before you, washing your feet.
How does this feel for you?
Perhaps we are protesting like Peter: Never Lord, you will never wash my feet!
Finally Jesus gets through to Peter and Peter submits and allows his Lord, his God, to wash his feet.
Today note how this feels.
Jesus is kneeling before you and is washing your feet.
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Thank you Fr. John that is such a beautiful reflection.
I wash peoples feet almost daily as I give pedicures to assist elderly people who can no longer take care of their feet themselves. God guided me to this beautiful ministry and I feel very humbled in this vocation. It is a ministry in more ways than one , as people open up and relax. I’ve been blessed to see God’s healing touch on many of these beautiful people.
May God’s blessings be upon you as you serve God’s growing community.
Oh Fr John, I teared up with today’s reflection. How very humbling. Thankyou. I have never directly thought of allowing Jesus to wash my feet. Always learning!!
For too long I’ve been like Peter. Not my feet. Thanks for yet another jolt Fr John. Easter blessings to you & your FFF followers