DAILY PRAYER

“When he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, ‘Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow so that as I have done for you, you should also do.’”  (Jn 13:12-15)

The apostles were surprised that Jesus would wash their feet. Although washing the feet of guests at a banquet was standard procedure, the job of footwasher was considered so undignified it was suited only for slaves. 

Peter objected forcefully: “You will never wash my feet.” But Jesus answered him: “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” (Jn 13:8)

Jesus wanted to teach His followers an essential lesson: “This is how all will know that you are my disciples: if you have a love for one another.” (Jn 13:35)

For the Christian, there is no job in the service of the Lord that is too embarrassing or beneath us.

“I have given you a model to follow so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

Even after all that Jesus taught and lived, many of us keep the ugly mentality that our greatness depends on the number and quality of those who are attending to our needs, rather than seeing greatness in the example of Christ — in our service to others.  In Christ, we are the servants of the servants.

Reflection and commentary

Psalm 133:1  “See!  How good it is, how pleasant, where the brothers dwell as one!”

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