Last night’s gospel recounts the moments at the last supper and Jesus’ effort to wash the disciples’ feet. Peter is resistant. Jesus notes that if Peter is unwilling to have his feet washed, then he has no part in the ministry of Jesus. In classic overkill Peter, of course, invites Jesus to wash everything.
It occurred to me in the middle of it all that foot washing — perhaps more than any other act in the Christian year — is the practice that tests our willingness to surrender. It’s awkward. It’s embarrassing.
It takes us into that place that sociologists describe as “liminal .” A place that is unfamiliar, where we are not in control, where the social conventions that we consider familiar are nowhere to be found. Where the things that we rely upon for a sense of comfort and control are missing.
And that, it seems to me, is the spiritual issue. Peter: “No way.” Jesus: “Then I don’t know you.” Peter (still in control): “OK, then let’s do it this way.”
The thing is, it isn’t just Peter’s problem — it’s ours. I would always prefer not to go forward and a lot of others never do. But this annual practice of taking off your shoes and socks in a public place and allowing someone else to wash your feet points to the deeper spiritual issue: Are we willing to surrender control over our lives? Are we willing to trust Jesus?
Put another way: Do we really believe that he loves us better than we love ourselves and that we are meant for glory?
We can’t live into that promise if we won’t let go or take back control from time to time.
I cringe just thinking about taking off my socks or panty hose and shoes and someone bending down with basin and water to wash my feet. At least I hope it wouldn’t be a golden bowl like the Pope used! I have experienced foot washing (both being the washer and being washed) at earlier times in my life. Yes, I know people mostly walked during biblical times and maybe wore sandals so having their feet washed was not an unsavory thing but rather something appreciated like asking a guest if they would like something to drink after entering our home. I understand the issue is about vulnerability and I admire humility in others whenever I see it which is not often. I wonder if anyone sees it in me?
Yesterday when I came out from church after Good Friday service I had a ticket on the window of the car. It was for not parking over 15 feet from the fire hydrant. Do police carry a tape measure? There was a green line on the curb of McKinney Avenue and it was about a foot from the hydrant. I parked approximately 10 feet from the line so about 11 feet from it. Not having received a ticket in over 35 years I was a bit shaken. I would have preferred to have received a letter from the city with an invoice for $150 instead of this encroachment. I struggled several hours before I had peace about this situation. I truly know that the Lord allowed this incident to happen for my good (Romans 8:28). Was this my test regarding control? To make the matter more severe after church I had given a generous annoymous gift to a needy friend and my first thought was this is not right as a ticket is no reward for doing something good? I am being brutally honest. Am I a Peter struggling with control? Yes, I am. I must understand sow and reap means leaving the reaping in God’s timing!
I do not approve of the violent uprisings happening in our country but I wonder what will eventually occur when “regular” folks are continually put upon by the government in almost all areas of our lives. Where is our freedom? Where is our liberty?
The comfort I daily receive is thinking back to biblical times and the horrible conditions people endured from the Egyptians to the Romans. Yet it is like Scripture almost glosses over that element in order to let us know environment is nothing compared with the glory that is in us and with us.
Fred, your closing line is very thought provoking. “live into that promise” I had never seen that before and it is much more challening than “live the promise” for “live into that promise” means our process is developing – which it is. Thanks again for your wonderful wisdom. What a rare and beautiful gift you have been given and how tenderly you share it with us!