Reading:
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Reflection
In an example of loving humility the night before he knew he was to die, Jesus removed his outer clothing and began to wash his disciples feet. In an outpouring of love, he kneeled down before them and cared for them all with an open heart without questioning whether or not they were worthy of his love. In the same way Jesus welcomed all to gather to have their feet washed, so too did he welcome all of his disciples to gather with him at the table, where he again poured out his love to them and all of humanity.
The disciples were confused by Jesus’ loving humility. If anyone’s feet should be washed, it should be the Lord’s, they thought, as Peter asked, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” He did not feel worthy to have his Lord humble himself in such an intimate way. Jesus answered him, “You do not know what I am doing, but later you will understand.” At this time before the Last Supper, Jesus already knew he was to be betrayed, as he said, “Not all of you are clean.” Yet, just as he did for the rest of the disciples, he washed the feet of the one he knew would betray him. There was no judgement, only the loving humility of our caring Lord, and reconciliation. After doing this, Jesus tells his disciples, “I have set for you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”
Just as Jesus washed Judas’ feet, he also gave him a seat at the table for the Last Supper. There was no question in Jesus’ mind whose feet were worthy of being washed, just as there was no question of who was truly worthy of having a place at the table. At the table, Jesus set for them another example. “On the night when he was betrayed, he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Cor 11:23-26) All the disciples, together at the table with Jesus, ate his flesh and drank his blood, just as we do around this table today.
I ask that we consider those whom we have excluded from the table. Those whose feet we are not humble enough to wash. Those we do not deem worthy of the Eucharist. Let us take a moment to consider times we ourselves have been made to feel unworthy of a seat at the table. Consider now those whose presence at the table is missing. Those whom Jesus has not forgotten, but that we ourselves have neglected to set a place for. We should all strive to model Christ’s loving humility. If Jesus, who is Lord, could kneel before his betrayer and wash his feet, then how prideful are we to refuse anyone the gift he so freely gave to the world? To follow Jesus’ example means to reject no one. We too should practice radical inclusion, excluding no one from the table.
Let us pray: Lord of loving humility, help us to shed our outer robes, our pride, and our judgement. Teach us what it means to be reconciled to each other. Teach us what it means to be tender with those who betray us, to be soft to strangers, and to be kind to those who need it most. Help us to remember that it is your Table, your precious Body and Blood, and your loving sacrifice that unite all of creation. Help us remember that it is yours to give, and not ours to take away. Amen
To all who are present today, you will always have a place at Christ’s table.
Our Lady of Light 