streams

streams

Monday, August 5, 2013

More Feet Washing

Soon after the story about Mary washing the feet of Jesus comes the following:

Jesus “poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron.” (John 13:3-6 MSG)

 “So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do.” (John 13:12-17 MSG)

Somehow, reading these two accounts one after another made me wonder if there was any significance in this sequence.

Maybe because I’m a middle-aged woman, I no longer find romantic stories about young people all that inspiring. However, when I see a couple who have been married for several decades and are still obviously devoted to each other, I’m intrigued to hear their love story. I want to follow their pattern. I want what they have, so I’m willing to do what they do.
When we are involved in an intimate relationship with God, we realize that we are just responding to Someone who has been attending to us all along—Someone who cares much more about what is going on inside of us than on the outside. When we reciprocate this love, giving of ourselves, submitting, serving—this pattern of mutual devotion becomes an example for others—making them desire a similar rich, deep, sacramental relationship.

No comments:

Post a Comment