John 13:1-8
Meditatio/Reflection:
I can just imagine the incredulous sound of Peter's question: "Master, are you going to wash my feet?" (Jn 13:6). How many times have we seen Peter humbled by Jesus, either through a recognition of Jesus' greatness or a rebuke from Jesus when Peter didn't quite get it right. To watch someone who I consider to be greater than myself lowering himself to do a task that in certain contexts not even slaves would have to do, I'm not sure how I would respond. I feel like I can really relate to Peter's protest here. I would feel uncomfortable having the Lord of the universe seemingly beneath me.
Yet, I know that is only my pride talking. It's a false humility to say to another, "You're so great that you couldn't possibly deign to serve someone like me." In rejecting the service of another, we are actually putting ourselves above them, judging who is and who is not capable of offering service. Who are we to make that judgment? Who are we to reject the charity of another? We may even think that we don't need the service being offered. How utterly arrogant!
When we can enter into a mutual submissiveness to serve one another, how great would that relationship become! Jesus models for us the need to consider each person higher than ourselves, to be willing to enter into the most demeaning of circumstances to serve them. When we do this ourselves, and allow others to do it for us, then we have a sense of what Jesus is trying to accomplish here. For as he anoints them in their priesthood in these moments, he also shows what it means to be a priest, to lay down his life for his flock. The question I need to ask myself is whether or not my pride gets in the way of all of this, or if in fact I am seeking to follow the example of Jesus washing his disciples' feet.
Oratio/Thanksgiving:
Thank you Lord for the model of service that you gave to us in the upper room. Thank you for providing a standard which inspires me to lose my pride and open myself to what you offer me, to what others offer me, so that I can offer myself to you and them.
Oratio/Prayer Intentions:
Lord, humble me as you did St. Peter. I'm scared to ask for this, so help me to trust in your provision and grace as you help me to recognize myself in truth.
Mr. Crane's Song of the Day:
Matt Maher: Love Comes Down
Saint Quote of the Day:
"Whoever does not seek the cross of Christ, doesn't seek the glory of Christ."
- St. John of the Cross
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