“From Heart to Toe”
A Communion Meditation by Rev. Patrice Ficken
John 13:1-20
Sanbornton Congregational Church, UCC
May 6, 2007
(Please do not re-print or re-use without permission of the author)
What do we choose to reveal about ourselves to the world – or how is it that our way of living, how we present ourselves – reveals who we truly are? That is – is there alignment – between how we live – and what we want people to know about us?
I was reminded recently about how deceptive appearances are and how quick we are to judge others by what we see. We draw conclusions all the time based on snapshots.
Since people judge so much from appearances perhaps that’s why most of us are taught to “put on a brave face” or “put our best foot forward” no matter what we might be feeling inside or going through. We don’t want to leave ourselves open to being prematurely judged. We’re supposed to stay strong, be tough – as if shows the measure of our maturity or personhood or even our faith.
Jesus could have taken a “tough love” stance with his disciples. We are back at the point of the story when Jesus and his disciples are in
At such a moment Jesus could have stepped fully and completely into his position of authority – and said, firmly and strongly: “DISCIPLES!! Look sharp! If you think we’ve had challenges before – you’ve seen nothing yet! Time to get tough! I’m not going to hold your hand anymore! “
Instead Jesus does something totally shocking: He washes their feet. We hear dismay in the voice of Peter who says, “No way! Not now, not ever will I allow you to do this for me!”
We have to remind ourselves what a radical act this is. The disciples may have been a rag tag bunch from all walks of life, but they were part of a hierarchical culture that prided itself on appearances – on one’s position in society, one’s position of power.
The disciples esteemed Jesus. He was their Teacher, their Master – the one who they looked up to. His proposal to wash their feet was utterly shameful, downright embarrassing.
Jesus dared to placed himself not as equal – but actually a step below – in the position of servant, slave – the lowest of the low; the bottom of the social order. And for one whom they loved and respected so much – this was just too much to bear.
Jesus asks the question “Do you understand what I’m doing?”
Do we understand? What IS Jesus up to here?
He wanted to show them a new way, a new “pattern” of leadership, of authority, of service.
He wanted them to really “get it” by giving them a tangible experience of this new model.
He wanted to touch their hearts, to soften their hearts in the beautifully tender, intimate and loving act.
He wanted them and us to understand our true place as his followers – at each other’s feet.
Perhaps more than anything, Jesus wanted to reveal himself to the disciples and for the the disciples to reveal themselves to him – to open up and allow his presence to touch and transform them.
When you think about it – there is something very revealing about the feet- some essence of our truth is revealed. Our feet support us, weather aches and pains, show the wear and tear of life. Some of us dress up our feet, some are sure to keep them covered with shoes and socks. Having our feet touched and seen makes us feel vulnerable.
It’s brilliant really. Here Jesus is – down to the wire. He’s had a hard time breaking through to his disciples – his teachings are so radical and new. What better way to get through the disciples’ defense than through this back door – this gentle gesture of washing the feet. Surely some hearts were touched and changed at that moment – but apparently not all.
The scripture describes Peter’s resistance. We assume he went through the motions and allowed Jesus to wash his feet – but given his subsequent denial of Jesus, apparently there was no internal change in him. Jesus apparently washed the feet of Judas too – and yet Judas went ahead with his plan of betrayal.
Jesus’own disciples rejected him. They steeled themselves against him; held Jesus at arm’s length.
What about us? Can we receive the gift of Jesus’ love? Can we, if only in our imaginations, allow him to wash our feet, allow the Servant Christ to serve and care for us, to soften our hearts?
If we cannot, then Jesus says, ”Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.”
In other words, we cannot truly serve or follow him. Being a servant is being willing to reveal ourselves and being open to receiving the true reality of another.
As we approach this communion table this morning, we may ask – what are we afraid to reveal to Jesus, to ourselves, to each other? What is it that we don’t want Jesus to see?
God in Christ sees us.
God in Christ sees all of who we are – even that which we cannot reveal to ourselves.
We need not be afraid. It is safe to reveal ourselves here. It is safe to take off our shoes and socks, to allow the love of God to touch the very depth of our aches and pains – from head to toe. Or should I say, from heart to toe?
Let us pray,
Beautiful and loving Christ,
You approach us today with towel and basin in hand –
asking only one thing – that we allow ourselves to receive
the tender gift you offer.
May we dip freely in the well-spring of grace.
May we allow you to take from us that which we dare not reveal
and allow the light of your love to transform and free us.
In the name of Christ we pray.
Amen.
