The Washing of Feet
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday's Liturgy involves a ritual foot washing modeled after the Last Supper when Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. The word Maundy is derived from the Latin mandatum, meaning "to command." It is where the word "mandate" comes from. In this case, it is God's command from Jesus that we are to love one another as He has loved us.
John's Gospel (13:1-17, 31b-35) is always read this night, and though references to Jesus's New Commandment are alluded to in the Epistles, it is only found in John.
The New Commandment is made immediately after Jesus has washed the feet of the Apostles. Jesus, the great rabbi, instructs his pupils by first demonstrating what love looks like, and then commanding them to do likewise.
The Book of Occasional Services suggests that the priest introduces it this way:
Fellow servants of our Lord Jesus Christ: On the night before his death, Jesus set an example for his disciples by washing their feet, an act of humble service. He taught that strength and growth in the life of the Kingdom of God come not by power, authority, or even miracle, but by such lowly service. We all need to remember his example, but none stand more in need of this reminder than those whom the Lord has called to the ordained ministry.
Therefore, I invite you who share in the royal priesthood of Christ, to come forward, that I may recall whose servant I am by following the example of my Master. But come remembering his admonition that what will be done for you is also to be done by you to others, for “a servant is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them"
It is a powerful experience to wash another person's feet in the sheltering context of this Liturgy. It is a tender and loving action. It is, however, an exceedingly vulnerable thing to allow another person to touch and wash our feet. It is not something we need to do to receive the richness of its meaning, and we must never pressure another to experience it - it must always be a completely voluntary act that requires personal discernment.
Here is how others have described the experience:
"Jesus teaches us that the way to salvation is through loving our neighbors as ourselves. He shows us Love is in actions and often requires humility. Having the opportunity to share that experience with the Lord is very humbling and is Love in action." Bill Gauthier
"One Maundy Thursday, at the church I was attending, St. Andrew’s in Seattle, we had a foot washing and a Seder dinner. To me it was very memorable! What struck me about the meal was the symbolism of each element, and how sharing this meal that Jesus ate as his last meal, really brought me into deeper communion with Jesus. It was like I was there, in that room and sharing that meal with the disciples." Marti Riley
"When I as invited last year to dry the feet of those who came forward for the foot washing, I knew it was going to be a challenge because I would have to step outside of myself and my feelings – out of my comfort zone.
As I was drying the people's feet - some I've known for 30 years, and others I'd never seen before -- I began to realize that something very important and meaningful was occurring. Soon, the awkwardness dissipated, and I began to feel a spiritual connection between myself, Jesus, and the person whose feet I was drying. I felt like a kind of go-between. In fact, it was very much like how I have felt serving the wine at communion."
Mary Lou Sales
Do you have special memories from Holy Week liturgies you want to share? Please email Fr. Michael at rector@stjohnskirkland.org for inclusion in this week's reflections or in future Holy Week materials.