Maundy Thursday: the Washing of the Feet
In ancient times it was the custom to wash guests’ feet before a meal, as Abraham said to the three men who appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre (Genesis 18:4):
“Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.”
And Jesus said to Simon the Pharisee, who had not fulfilled the duties of hospitality: “I entered your house, you gave me no water for my feet” (Luke 7:44).
At the Last Supper with his disciples, Jesus wanted nothing to be lacking in the duties of hospitality and honour towards his beloved guests.
That same night a dispute arose among the disciples about which of them was to be regarded as the greatest (Luke 22:24). It was not the first time such a quarrel had broken out among them. Jesus Christ told them: “Let the greatest among you become as the youngest” (Luke 22:26).
Then Jesus fulfilled his command and showed his disciples how much he loved them: he took off his outer garment so it would not get in the way, tied a towel around his waist like a servant, poured water into a basin,
and began kneeling before each of them and washing his feet.
It is truly an astonishing condescension and a deep humility; the disciples were awed, their thoughts were troubled and they bowed their heads in embarrassment. Peter, their leader, heavy-hearted, objected with both vehemence and respect, anxious for his Master’s dignity, and said in amazement: “Lord, do you wash my feet?”
Jesus answered: “What I am doing you do not know now, but afterward you will understand” (John 13:7). Jesus Christ asks for obedience first and then explains what is needed. Peter refused, but Christ told him: “If I do not wash you, you have no part in me.” These words went like a sword into Peter’s heart; as soon as he heard his Master’s warning he obeyed again and said: “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” (John 13:9),
as if he thought that the more he was washed, the more he would please him and make up for his disobedience.
Peter later understood that the washing Jesus performed was the washing away of sins, and that no one has a part with God unless he is washed in the water of baptism, which symbolizes the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus and the new and holy way they would follow after the Resurrection.
After the washing, the Lord Jesus taught us that humility is the cornerstone of the Church, and that leadership is only a kind of service, saying: “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant.”
Increase our faith in you, Lord, and help us to be as you taught us to be: humble, loving and serving one another with constant joy and peace.
And we repeat with Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus: “O mighty Monarch of Heaven, yes, my soul finds rest in seeing you, clothed in the form and nature of a slave, humble yourself to wash the feet of your apostles. Then I remember the words you spoke to teach me to practise humility: ‘I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done. The disciple is not greater than the Master… If you understand this, you will be happy in doing it.’ I understand them, Lord, these words that come from your meek and humble Heart; I want to practise them with the help of your grace.”
