Jesus, What’s With the Footwashing?

Dr. Kate DeVries

Today’s Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper will include the powerful ritual of foot washing.  It’s one of those “Really? We’re doing that right in the middle of Mass?” moments that could use some explaining. Most of us either side with Peter (“You will never wash my feet”), or understand the ritual in terms of Jesus’ comment: “Do you realize what I have done for you? I have washed your feet; you ought to wash one another’s feet.”  [Read tonight's Gospel.] Let’s take it a bit deeper.

In her book The Holy Thursday Revolution, philosopher and theologian Beatrice Bruteau  describes the act of footwashing as nonreciprocal. “Servants wash the feet of their lords – in all sorts of ways, literally and figuratively. Very often both parties are invested in preserving the arrangement.” She goes on to explain that in some ways we all like having great people in authority over us.  We need strong leaders and mentors in our lives. Guidance from those with more experience and wisdom than we have, is good. We like having someone to turn to when we need a broader perspective.  And isn’t it nice to be a follower sometimes?  We can be connected to those people and gain from their wisdom without having the responsibility of setting the direction, taking risks and making tough decisions.

Now, put yourself in Peter’s place.  Jesus is “the man,” the master, the teacher… the Lord. Suddenly, he’s on his knees, bending before you to wash, of all things, your feet. It would be like your boss (or anyone in authority over you whom you highly respect) approaching you first thing in the morning, and saying, “How can I serve you today? What can I get you, do for you, how can I make you more comfortable?  I am here for you, and you don’t have a say in the matter.”  Wow.  No wonder Peter resisted. 

As Bruteau continues, “Jesus’ disciples are followers and believers and worshipers, and they like it that way. Jesus doesn’t. He leaves his place at the table, takes off his coat, rolls up his sleeves, gets a long towel that he ties around his waist, takes a jug of water and basin, and begins to wash the feet of his disciples. This is unbelievably shocking.  The master is acting like a servant.” She continues, “When the ‘lord’ acts as a ‘servant,’ then being a ‘lord’ or a ‘servant’ doesn’t mean anything anymore.” People become equals.  Jesus names it: “I will no longer call you servants, but friends.”

In the midst of a difficult relational situation I faced in college, I confided in a trusted professor. After listening patiently, he went through a list of my strengths, before finally saying, “Kate, stand up and be the person you are.” That line comes back to me whenever I’m in a difficult situation, and following its wisdom has made a huge difference in my life.  I wonder if the footwashing gesture is Jesus saying to all of us to “Stand up, and be the awesome person God made you to be!” Following is not enough. Being only the ‘servant’ is not acceptable.  Being only the ‘lord’ is not the answer either. We all have strengths and gifts to share.  Each of us can lead, and each of us can follow – and there is a time for both, and everything in between.  And wouldn’t it be great if we were all, always, at the service of one another?

We in the Young Adult Ministry Office strongly encourage you to make it to Mass this evening.  Sink into both the story and the ritual of the footwashing.  When the water is poured (over you or others), let it flow over you, reminding you who you are, the many gifts you have to share, and your baptismal call to stand up and be God’s beloved daughter or son in every situation.  Then, say “Amen” to the Bread of Life. As we receive the Body and Blood of Christ, may we become his Body and Blood for the world.

A Blessed Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday) to all. 

Kate DeVries