# Holy Thursday: The Meaning of Washing Feet
*2011-04-20*

> Bill reflects on the Gospel reading from John 13:3‑5, exploring how Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet serves as a symbolic autobiography and a call to humble service.

## The Gospel Passage

In today’s Gospel, John 13:3‑5 tells us that during the Last Supper, Jesus got up from the table, took off his outer robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, filled a basin with water, and began to wash the disciples’ feet.

## A Symbolic Autobiography

Raymond Brown, a noted biblical scholar, observes that Jesus’ act of foot‑washing is a living autobiography of his entire ministry. Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus repeatedly says he did not come to be served but to serve. By washing the disciples’ feet, he makes that teaching concrete, showing that true discipleship is expressed in humble service.

## Our Call to Serve

Brown points out that while we may never perform miracles like feeding the multitudes or raising the dead, we can all wash another’s feet. This simple act of love and humility allows us to participate in the very heart of Christ’s mission.

## Personal Reflection

Consider what symbolic action would sum up your own life. Is it sharing a meal, teaching, building, creating art, or sitting in silent prayer? Let that action reflect the essence of who you are.

## Prayer

Passionate God, help me to live my life passionately, true to the person you have called me to be. Amen.

*Jesus shows us that the greatest expression of discipleship is humble service, a simple act that reveals the heart of the Gospel.*