Yesterday, as part of Lent and Holy Thursday, I was invited to participate in the tradition where the priest washes the feet of 12 people.
Or rather, I was asked to join— it turns out not many are in favor of having their feet washed in public.
I said yes and sat in the front row, along with 11 others who would have their feet washed.
Once it was my turn to get my feet washed, it was embarrassing and it made me self-conscious.
But what about the priest?
Per tradition, he had to wash 12 different feet. Was it embarrassing for him? Or was he confident because he knew what was asked of him?
Did his strong faith reassure him of his actions, however embarrassing it may seem to the audience?
And a question I’ve been wondering since then: would I wash someone’s feet?
If my conviction was strong enough to do anything that’ll bring me closer to my desired place, would I have done it without fear of judgement?
I believe the act of washing someone’s feet is a powerful display of vulnerability and sincerity. And if done by someone with a higher status, it makes the message even more powerful.
If Jesus did it, why couldn’t we?
Here’s my inspiration for the day.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’
Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’
‘No,’ said Peter, ‘you shall never wash my feet.’
Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.John 13:6–8
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
John 13:14–15