Humbling Ourselves

One of my most holy memories is a dear faithful saint of God getting down on his aged knees and washing my feet. It was strange that I found it easier to wash his feet, than to let him wash mine. I think that I can understand a little better now why Peter was so reluctant to let Jesus do the same to him. I had no idea that the man who held my feet and wiped them with a towel would soon after that be in Heaven.

On that same night that Jesus washed the disciple’s feet, He also gave a new command that we Love one another in the same fashion that He has loved us. The word “Maundy” (command) is derived from that statement. The disciples missed the opportunity to wash Jesus’ feet one last time. The feet that could have been held in their hands would soon be spiked by hands of hate. Father, forgive us because sometimes we know not what we don’t do.

The broken bread and the bitter cup will never allow us to forget the depth of the Love of God; and a basin of dirty water and a damp towel will never let us forget the reason. We are not just saved for a free ticket to Heaven; we are saved to serve the Lord, and to Love one another along the way.

The Bible says that after the supper they sang a hymn and went out. I know that it wasn’t this one, but it seems so right on this Maundy Thursday: “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.”