Maundy Thursday is today. What is Maundy? I looked it up. Something about a command to love and foot-washing. I am wondering if foot-washing has any significance in an era where people wear shoes instead of sandals. The whole idea of foot-washing back in Jesus' day was to clean the dirt and sweat on the feet acquired from walking in sandals.
I have been a part of foot washing ceremonies before, but I don't remember them as an act of love. I think that was the whole idea of the original foot washing story on the night before the crucifixion. Jesus was showing love to his disciples and asking them to show love as a response. Well in 30 CE... washing someone's feet was an act of love because it was something a servant did. Is it really an act of love now, or just a ritual?
I am all about updating our expressions. I can think of more loving expressions than foot washing in 2022.
If foot washing was an act of love back in 30 CE, is it still an act of love now and if not... why is it being done. Oh yeah... ritual?
So we have convinced people that those things which were loving 2000 years ago, are still loving today? In two thousand years, things change... maybe we can find something else to do to show love that means something to the person we are showing that love to. Maybe we don't have to ask them to take off their socks and shoes today.
That being said... when I was a child... I went barefoot everywhere... so I would get dirty feet. My mom would give me a basin with warm soapy water and a wash cloth, so I could wash my feet. Yep... two thousand years later... I'm washing my own feet. But at least she gave me the water.
I will end with today's reflection. It is the last one, so it is appropriate... "Go in Pieces" How beautiful is that!
"The task has ended. Go in pieces. Our faith has been rear-ended, certainty amended, and something might be mended that we didn’t know was torn. And we are fire, bright, burning fire, turning from the higher places from which we fell, emptying ourselves into the hell in which we’ll find our loving and beloved brother, mother, sister, father, friend. And so friends, the task has ended. Go in pieces to see and feel your world."
Pádraig Ó Tuama
"The Catholic Church ends her services with the benediction ‘Go in Peace’. This poem by Ó Tuama was written as a closing benediction for Ikon. As you listen, you’ll hear how it affirms the fragmented nature of our existence. As such, I can think of no better way to end this journey."
Peter Rollins
