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Posts Tagged ‘Maundy Thursday’

National Poetry Month 2026: Spiritual Thursday: Maundy Thursday

Posted in Poetry, Progressive poem, Spiritual Growth, Writing, tagged , , , on April 2, 2026| 4 Comments »

Spiritual Journey is hosted today by Ruth Hersey at There is no such thing as a God-forsaken town.

There is so much that is frightening and appalling about our world today. I’m sure it was that way when Jesus walked to Gethsemane, a hopeless time, a time of hatred and fear. Every year when we spend time between Palm Sunday and Easter, I am pulled into the despair.

Tonight I will sing. I am an alto voice in our small church choir. With a strong soprano by my side, I am singing a duet “By the Mark.” It’s been ringing in my ears all week.

Ruth asked us to write about service. When Jesus lowered himself to the ground to wash his disciples’ feet, he showed them and us how humbling yourselves can be a powerful expression of pure love. How can we love like Jesus did?

I fall short every day. Isn’t that the point? If I didn’t fall short, I would not need to repent or be open to change. Today I open my hands in prayer, open my hands to God’s children, and lift up my voice to make a gentle gift of love.

I am yours, Lord, even
when I’m tired. If the
world dips into darkness,
your light precedes
me and
I will follow.

Today’s line is with Cathy Stenquist at A Little Bit of This and That.

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Maundy Footwashing

Posted in Digital Learning, Poetry, Spiritual Growth, tagged , , , on April 2, 2015| 8 Comments »

Use this button created by Leigh Anne Eck to post your Digital Poetry this month.

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.

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.

 

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