Word to the Wise
Thursday, April 17, 2008 - Thursday in the Fourth Week of Easter
[Acts 13:13-25 and John 13:16-20]When Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, he said to them: "Amen, amen, I saw to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.
The "washing of the feet" is one of the most vivid events in the Gospel of John. Like all of Jesus' actions it is meant to say something about Jesus' identity, but it also has an important message for all of us. In many ways it is one message about humility seen from two different angles. The first angle concerns our willingness to accept the gesture of Jesus. This was an issue throughout his ministry. Could those to whom he had come accept him or at least believe in the signs he was working as evidence of who he is? Peter tries to resist being washed and Jesus makes it clear that acceptance is necessary "to share in my heritage!" Are we willing to allow the Lord access to ourselves? Can we accept his person in the person of another who may offer that ministry but we are too blind or proud to accept it? The second angle concerns our willingness to perform the ministry for others. "Washing the feet of the disciples" can be a difficult thing to do. Having served in positions of authority as a religious superior, my description of that job was precisely, "washing the feet of the brothers." I can tell you those feet present certain challenges, not least of which is that they may be used to kick! Love requires humility. To love we must be vulnerable to others on one hand and generous with our selves on the other. Jesus gives us a powerful example in the washing of the feet of the disciples. AMEN
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