Reflection by Rev. Troy L. Denson
St. John 13: 3-5
"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 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."
As we prepare for reflecting on the night which Jesus gave his life, some are writing sermons, others are fish frying, and then others are looking ahead to Resurrection Sunday... however, one of the most significant acts of Christ appears to have been either lost, overlooked, or disregarded.... the praxis of "feet washing." Very few are engaged in "feet washing," both, literally and spiritually. In the Western world, this servant practice has been ascribed to churches in the Apostolic denominations, and many have viewed this practice as ancient, primitive, or orthodox. However, if we critique our present-day understanding of feet-washing, we realize that it was not a religious act but rather a practical service given at the command of a Master or Home-owner for the servants to wash the feet of guests and/or visitors. Within the scripture itself, Peter did not desire entertaining the practice because he knew that the feet-washing for the guests was customarily a duty of the servants, the invisible, or the nobodies. However, after Jesus offered this service as the gateway to taking part in the Kingdom of God ministry, Peter resolved his resistance. Afresh, Jesus offers feet-washing from a spiritual perspective, as an act of humility, love, and service from the dominant/leadership washing the feet of followers, the least, or the servant. As we reflect on Jesus' outlook, we leaders (civic, religious, or social), should wonder, how can we go further than charitable donations as ways for "washing the feet" for the least, left-outs, the lost, the immigrants, the marginalized, the sufferers, the unemployed, and even those despised without a cause. As we prepare for Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross, our impending question on this Maundy Thought for Church Leaders, Clergy, Pastors, and Ministers ought become, How can we revitalize the "feet-washing" ministry in ways relevant to the 21st Century society, so that we can exude a better witness of Christ?
Rev. Troy L. Denson
