Brian’s Reflection: Thursday, April 5, 2007

Maundy Thursday in the Christian Calendar


Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet
and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him ………. After he
had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he
said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher
and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”

- The Gospel named after John, Chapter 13, read on Maundy Thursday



The “Mandatum” of Jesus (from which “Maundy” derives) to do as He did has been liturgically practiced in the Christian tradition since the early centuries, as referenced by Tertullian and Augustine. Jesus, as host of the Passover Seder, washes His disciples feet. He, the Master, serves them. Peter refuses - and Jesus makes it crystal clear that if he is not willing to serve as Jesus serves, Peter can have nothing to do with Him, or God. Several times, Jesus makes it clear that to be great is to serve. That worldly power is “not of His Kingdom”. Jesus said clearly that He came “not to be served but to serve”.

It seems a little silly to wash feet these days, a little contrived. But, when the priest or deacon, representing Jesus, washes the feet of parishioners (or of the poor, as early popes are recorded to have done), the effect can be powerful, both on the person washing and the person being washed. I remember the first time, as a priest, my feet were washed, I was jolted into remembering that my call (and the call of all Christians) is to serve.

Because service is of the essence of God, Jesus implies. Not power, not mightiness, not control. Not dictatorial powers. No. Service. Service in Love. It’s what the cross is all about in Christian life. Jesus is reported to have said, “Unless you take up your cross, you cannot be a follower of mine”.

To serve is Godlike. To serve is deepest humanity. To serve is Love. To serve is Greatness.

As Christians wash feet, may Maundy Thursday remind all humanity where true greatness lies.

Brian+