“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 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.” John 13:3-5
We are in Holy Week, looking ahead to the Passion and Easter. This is always a time that calls my soul to silence. As I look at what is occurring through these days, I am struck with humbling awe. Overwhelmed by what Jesus is doing. But, we can’t lose sight of the events in the days leading up to the cross.
For three years, through chapter after chapter in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Jesus taught us much of the Father and Kingdom of Heaven. In the hours before ‘His hour’, He doesn’t stop thinking of us.
I see these events at the Last Supper as huge moments that shape and put an exclamation on His teaching. Jesus had just celebrated the first Eucharistic prayer, giving the Apostles and us the first Mass. Knowing the moment is casting its shadow in just hours, Jesus takes a knee and bows before the disciples to wash their feet.
Often during Holy Thursday Mass we see priests kissing the feet of those being washed. That is humble love. But, for me, I see Jesus looking up into the eyes of each man sitting before Him. This isn’t just a teaching moment of service, but, is a moment teaching servant leadership.
Serving others in an uplifting humbling experience. Our Pittsburgh Emmaus community would serve lunch at the Red Door downtown each year. Serving the poorest of Pittsburgh with my Emmaus brothers gives those we serve hope. Hope of a meal but more so, hope of being seen as a person – eyes not averted as a person walks by, embarrassed to notice them.
Jesus sets the standard. The Master serving the students. The greatest serving the least. Giving is a big part of serving. But, connecting is more. To write a check to give a roof or meal is huge but, meeting them and serving the man…
My Emmaus brothers know how big this moment is. The leader washing the feet of the servants who are serving. Not just washing feet but connecting personally with each of these servants.
““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.” John 13:12-15
Take Jesus’ words, lesson and actions to heart. Serve. Acts of mercy ring loudly in Heaven. A small act of service rings a bell. But, servant leadership is leading others to hope by connecting personally. Giving a meal to fill a belly while giving a ‘meal’ by connecting with a person to fill a starving soul.
Get on your knees and serve, doin g so always by connecting personally.