The liturgy of Holy Thursday calls us yet again to the invitation of Jesus to follow his example: “I have just given you an example, that as I have done, you also may do.”
Bringing to mind the scene of the Last Supper, with Jesus stripping himself and stooping down to wash the feet of his disciples is so powerful in its impact that it defies imagination. How could someone, who calls himself the Son of God, could stoop so low and fulfill a task reserved for a servant? But that’s precisely the point Jesus wanted to drive home. By showing a stark example, Jesus made it very clear to his apostles, to whom he had bestowed the authority to lead, that leadership should proceed from service.
The act of washing the feet of another is best exemplified in one’s loving service to others.
Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB in his biblical reflections for Holy Thursday said that in washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus “teaches his friends that liberation and new life are won not in presiding over multitudes from royal thrones nor by quantity of bloody sacrifices offered on temple altars but by walking with the lowly and poor and serving them as a foot washer along the journey.”
The poor will always be with you, Jesus said to Judas one time he complained about the costly perfume being poured wantonly on the feet of Jesus.
History is indeed littered with people living on the margins, needing help, while others shamelessly spend their fortune feeding their greed.
And this can’t be more real than what is happening in our contemporary society where so many people are hungry and dying because of the greed of some.
More than just a symbolic act, the washing of the feet is a challenge to all us, urging us to get rid of our selfishness and reach out to others in need. It is a call for us to offer our hand to someone in a gesture of forgiveness and loving service.
No comments:
Post a Comment