Use this button created by Leigh Anne Eck to post your Digital Poetry this month.
Join the Spiritual Thursday round up at Reading, Teaching, Learning.
The maundy in Maundy Thursday means foot washing. Our choir works on anthems that speak of Jesus’ death. It is a somber service. The attendance is low. I think many are uncomfortable with the idea of baring your feet for the priest to wash. Many are uncomfortable with the thought of death, death by torture. I am uncomfortable.
My daughter had a pedicure this week in preparation for a wedding she will be in this weekend. The small Asian woman gently removed embedded nails, shaved off calloused skin, and massaged her legs and feet. The woman was low. We were sitting high. She was performing a service. She looked up again and again checking Maggie’s pain level and asking with her eyes for reassurance that she was doing the right thing, offering peace and comfort through her service. I imagined the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her hair. Humbled and low, looking up to Jesus for approval.
I understand the theory behind foot washing as a way to humble ourselves by washing each other’s feet. Years ago when I was teaching in an Episcopal school, my headmaster asked me to do the foot washing. I thought he meant that I would be the example, the one having my feet washed. But no, I was doing the washing. Students lined up with their feet bared. As I washed child by child, I began to feel an extreme weariness. Afterward, I was physically exhausted. I cried. The experience was profound.
For Digital Poetry, I offer a video from a recent walk in the park. A small poem accompanies the video. The only sound is the running of water.
Margaret, thank you for the video and poem. The gentle sound of the running water soothed my soul that is looking for renewed energy on this day.
Easter is my favorite holy day. What an amazing gift.
The fact that you cried after washing feet made me tear up. What a powerful response to such a humble service. It makes you realize what a profound act it is.
The experiences you shared are so thoughtful. Of being serviced and being of service. The power of the water is interesting. Soothing, renewing and cleansing as well as breaking us down.
Such a simple intimate act of service. I think of this when I get pedicures. Beautiful video.
Lovely, Margaret, & that you took the time to create the poem/video for all of us to share. I think your story must hold a beautiful place in your heart.
Beautiful poem video. God makes us new – love that line. It gives me strength and hope. And what a humbling experience with the feet washing. I am sure that is something you will always remember.
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