April 21, 3005

Foot Washing Jn 13:16-20

When Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, he said to them: "Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen. But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me. From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send
receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me."
The words of Jesus when he washed the feet of the disciples are all focused on foretelling the events to come. To receive the disciples is to receive Jesus. None of the disciples are greater than Jesus who is Divine. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Scripture, the lived out salvation history of the people of Israel. Foot washing is a role of a servant, we are I belief to be servants to each other and in all things a servant of God. I pray also today for Pope Benedict XVI Servant of the Servants of God that his heart will be humble and open to the way of God.