He Washed Feet

This composition is not political. Although current world events are alluded to, there is no intent to advocate or criticize any particular standpoint. This piece primarily serves as a reflective discourse.

You don’t have to look very far to see sensationalized news and headlines. 

• “Trump/Biden is destroying America.” 
• “Thousands murdered in the Holy Land.” 
•  “Climate change is killing the planet.” 
• “Storms displace hundreds.” 
• “Unexplained freak weather.” 
• “New virus puzzles scientists.”
• “The end is near!” 

While you have to take all articles with a grain of salt, the news had me contemplating my mortality. 

Have you ever wondered what you'd do if you knew tomorrow was your last day? I think we have all thought about it at least fleetingly. I imagine that it would be filled with dramatic farewells goodbyes, sorting out final affairs, and indulging in comfort food. But, at its core, it's about spending those final moments with the people who matter most, laughing and cherishing their company.

The reality is, that none of us knows when our final day will come. For all my wistful planning and preparation, when my last day comes I don't know what I will actually do.

Yet, Jesus knew

Jesus knew the precise hour and minute of his death, and his disciples documented that last poignant night in the Gospels.

While Holy Thursday's focal mystery pertains to the Eucharist, the annual Gospel reading for the occasion seems to diverge from this theme. Instead, the Gospel of John focuses on the Mandatum, Jesus’ washing of his Apostles’ feet at the start of the Last Supper. 

There was a simple post years ago from Steve Benzer:

"Sometimes I joke about what I'd do if I had one day left to live. Eat junk, go crazy, etc. Today it hit me: Jesus knew. And he washed feet."

In the context of a significant Jewish meal, the customary practice was for guests to have their feet washed, typically delegated to servants if available. Keep in mind the historical context. Open-foot sandals were common footwear, leaving the foot exposed to the outside world. People often trod unpaved streets that doubled as sewers and garbage dumps. So besides being dusty and sweaty, feet were covered in every kind of refuse imaginable. This undertaking is considered unpleasant and unsanitary. 

Jesus was cognizant of the significance and symbolism inherent in washing his Apostles’ feet. Not only does he give an example of perfect servant leadership, but he shows that to enter communion with God, we have to be “clean”. No one can do this alone, which is why the disciples need to wash each other's feet.

On Jesus's last day, there were no grand gestures or exclusive invitations. Instead, he followed Jewish customs, celebrated Passover, and humbly washed the dusty feet of his twelve disciples. His every action was a selfless offering, culminating in the Holy Eucharist.

All for All

Everything he does, he does for everyone else.

I think that is why every Holy Thursday, we read from John. It doesn't matter who is sitting in the seat, the identity of the one occupying the seat is inconsequential. It is all about who is washing the feet.

Drawing from the example set by Jesus, living each day as if it were the last implies an unwavering willingness to serve one another. While the headlines may be cause for concern, let's not succumb to doomsday preparations. Rather, let's embrace the wisdom of living each day as if it were our last, extending our service to all. From our first day to our last, we are called to be servant leaders who are willing to die for others but also get on our knees and wash each other's feet.