Holy Thursday 2009
Mary Duennes
We
begin our observance of the Tridiuum this evening – these 3 most holy days in
our Christian tradition. We are
called every year to re-live the life of Jesus – to place ourselves once again
in this story - to experience and connect with the Jesus of history and with the
Jesus who invites us anew into relationship with him.
When
I read the story from John’s gospel I have this sense of Jesus - knowing in a
very real way , deep in his heart that his time with these women and men who
have followed him for the past 3 years, … these friends - was now very short.
Jesus had warned his disciples about his impending arrest and execution.
But now events were happening very quickly. The authorities and others were
becoming more and more threatened and frightened by Jesus and his message. How
much longer would they tolerate him?
To
me, it’s as if he just wants to make sure they get this part…
as
if he’s saying …
How
can I help them understand?
How
can I help them remember?
He
chooses a simple gesture to teach them.
Using
everyday objects - a
basin…..water….. and a towel,
he
begins to wash their feet.
Foot
washing was a usual custom for people of the day
it was simply good manners
for a host to provide water for guests to wash their feet
or have
a servant available to help.
This
ordinary, everyday event is made extraordinary on this occasion because Jesus is the one washing feet.
He is modeling what he wants us to
be … servants to one another.
I
invite you for a few moments to imagine the scene …place yourself among the
group of disciples.
Picture
Jesus approaching you to wash your
feet.
Jesus
standing in front of you
… bending down….taking your feet in his hands ….
one
foot at a time …pouring water over
each of your feet ….
What
do you notice? Can you feel
the water flowing over your feet?
Can
you sense the presence and energy of Jesus? The powerful energy and presence
that has drawn so many followers to deeply desire to be with him.
Can
you sense the deep love and affection between them? ….
Can
you sense that same love and affection between you and Jesus? ….
As
he washes your feet, does he say anything to you ?
Something
personal maybe … just between the two of you?
How
do you respond? ….
Do
you find this an awkward moment?
This
very personal encounter - this
intimate exchange with Jesus.
Is
being on the receiving end of another’s care and concern difficult for you?
Ask
yourself – Am I willing to let
others serve me? ….
Care
for me?
… Express their love for me?
As
Jesus gently finishes drying your feet
It
seems all too soon that he is moving on to the next person.
Jesus
has - by his actions shown us the
importance of being both the servant and at times the one being served, the one
in need of help.
Rather
than feel shame or embarrassment when others express their care for us I think
Jesus is telling us that recognizing our need for help and assistance
from
one another is a way for us to recognize
our humanity – our
interconnectedness.
And when we recognize that connection –
when
we finally get it – that we are in
this together –
we
can be servants for one another – giving
and receiving with ease and comfort –
following
the example that Jesus gives us in the gospel tonight.
The
familiar line from the Servant Song resonates with me this evening…
Will
you let me be your servant?
Let
me be as Christ to you?
Pray
that I may have the grace
to
let you be my servant too.
In
a few moments we will follow our
Holy Thursday custom…
using
everyday objects - a basin, water
and a towel.
We
will be invited to come forward and
wash each other’s hands as a symbol of service.
Let us be present to one another just as Jesus was present to each of his disciples in this simple act of service…in this giving and receiving.