If I were arrested and held this night, what would I be found guilty of?
“I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.”
Peter said to him, ‘You shall never wash my feet.’
We can perhaps understand Peter’s confusion and resistance, as Jesus kneels before him to wash the dust and dirt from his feet. As they gather to share a final meal, Jesus’ act of humble service is a lesson in love and leadership for his disciples and for us.
Reflecting on the annual washing of the feet in the Mass on Holy Thursday, Fr Johanes Zevito, the Caritas Coordinator of the Diocese of Chinhoyi in Zimbabwe, says: “So each and every time I go through that experience, it teaches me that Jesus wanted to reverse what the world thought leadership was. In our world today, we think leadership is where somebody is adorned with riches and… honoured by everyone. And yet, when Jesus had to wash his disciples’ feet, it was a gesture to say, every leader is to lead by example.
“So, we are talking of humility. We are talking of servant leadership, where the leader needs also to participate in what they are advocating for... I have to walk the talk.”
Fr Johanes’ words remind us that the Gospel must be lived, not just contemplated. We, too, are sent out to serve our sisters and brothers with the sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrates. It is, of course, not something we can do alone. But today we also remember that in the gift of the Eucharist, Jesus is with us, strengthening us for the journey.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
you bow before us
and wash us clean.
Strengthened by the Eucharist,
may we imitate your love
in humble service.
Amen.
Act
Take some time to pray for those in need today. If you are able, put your love in action by donating to our Lent appeal.