Wash on Gentle Cycle

As we celebrate Holy Thursday – or "Monday Thursday" as I called it in my childhood – we are reminded once again of how Jesus cared for others and, ultimately, us.

While our scripture lesson tells of the famous foot-washing, our church did not include an actual foot washing in our service tonight. But, thanks to a foot-washing service at the end of our mission trip a few years ago, I have a great appreciation for the unselfish ministration.

It was such an intimate, personal and caring action. If you can perform it on someone or have it done to you, do it. Don't worry if you "don't like feet" or have ticklish toes. When someone is ministering to you in this fashion – with prayer and love – you don't think about that. You just think, "This is a gift." My pastor and I were basically a crying mess by the time we'd completed it on our mission trip kids.

A beautiful and uplifting memory

Why the foot washing? The root of this practice can be found in the hospitality customs of ancient civilizations, especially where sandals were the chief footwear. A host would provide water for guests to wash their feet, serve the guests by washing their feet, or even provide a servant to wash the feet of the guests. As our pastor pointed out this evening, it was typically the lowest of the low servants.

The ritual washing of feet is now associated with the liturgy of Holy Thursday, the day that celebrates in a special way the Last Supper of Jesus, before which he washed the feet of his 12 apostles. This gesture was being used by Jesus to show that this is the greatest service of humility you can give to your fellow man. He took on the lowest position to uplift each of them. To become the greatest geader; one should become a servant to all.

These days, the gesture also reminds me of those who serve as caregivers for loved ones who are sick or dying or have special needs.

When my dad was hurting so badly with shingles, my mom was like his nurse, trying to ease his pain and suffering. She was not professionally qualified for this and certainly didn't sign up for it, but the "better or worse" commitment can rear its ugly head when we least expect it. She gave her all and did her best.

This week, I had two friends each lose a parent who was sick and suffering. By default, the other parents were their primary caregivers over the past months, maybe even years. And the children, living several hours away, helped when they could. But, like me and some of my siblings, felt guilty we weren't doing enough.

It is a tough "job" for anyone.

In the end, when the person goes, we often say "It is for the best." My friend Pete's dad is no longer sick. My friend Julie's mom is no longer feeling cancer's pain. They no longer need their feet or face or bodies washed. They are walking clean with the Lord now.

What a blessing that when His pain and suffering ended, "It was for the best."

For ALL of us.