In fact, Merriam-Webster defines maundy as a ceremony of washing the feet of the poor on Maundy Thursday.
I vividly recall on our church mission trip when Carter was a teen how we ended the week with a foot-washing ceremony on the final evening. As the adult leaders for our congregation, Pastor Josh and I washed the feet of each member of our mission team and prayed over them. Many tears were shed. A very moving experience.
It now makes sense to me that to help someone, if we can't walk in their shoes and understand where they're coming from or where they're going, we can at least wash their feet and offer comfort on their sometimes grueling journey – whether physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc.
Jesus did this to teach His disciples to do it for each other. Never assume you are better than someone else. You're only as good as the extent to which you've helped them. If they refuse the let you wash their feet then they aren't ready for help. It's frustrating as heck, but all you can do is keep trying.
Eventually, they might just see the joy on people's faces after they were willing to let go and let God take care of all that dust that's settled on their boots.
It's cleansing for your feet – and your soul.
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