Holy Thursday and the Ritual of Washing of the Feet

In my parish church, we were invited to attend a Seder supper before the Holy Thursday Mass to commemorate the Passover of our Jewish brothers and sisters which falls at the time of our Easter Triduum, the Thursday, Friday and Saturday before Easter Sunday.

At the Mass, our Pastor explained that we would have the Ritual of Washing of the Feet, but it would be done in a manner which is different from what we have done in previous years. He explained that we would have four pairs of people performing the ritual. He explained also that the action is not about washing of the feet but about service to each other in imitation of the service provided by Jesus Christ while washing the feet of his disciples at his Last Supper.

Each of the four pairs gave a very short explanation of their relationship to each other before they proceeded to wash each other's feet.

A mother and daughter were the first pair. The mother explained that she and her husband were married for ten years before they had their daughter, and of course she brought so much happiness into their lives when she came. Her daughter told us that her mother was so supportive of everything she did and that they were close friends who enjoyed each other's company. They then took turns in washing each other's feet as a reminder that they would always be of service to each other.

The second pair was a husband and wife. The wife told us that her husband worked extra hours so that she could be home full time with their two children. She told us that he was such a good father who loved his family and did so many things to make her proud of him. Her husband said that his wife was his moral compass and he did not know what would happen to him if he did not have her. She took such good care of him and their two children. It was interesting to see that their three-year-old girl sat quietly in a front pew while her parents went to the altar for the ritual and did not make any fuss. It was beautiful to see. They then took turns in washing each other's feet.

The third pair were two men who have been friends for 32 years. They each spoke of the fact that they admired their friend's good example of being a faithful husband, as good father and a wonderful friend. I know the two men but did not know that they were old friends. I can truthfully say they are both role models for the rest of the congregation. They then took turns in washing each other's feet.

The last pair were the pastor and a young father who was appointed as a Trustee of the parish two year ago.
Our pastor has been with us for three years. The young man told us that he received so much from Father's homilies and that he looked on our pastor as a good friend and enjoyed his company. Father said that he first met the young man at a church committee meeting and was impressed with his forthrightness and intelligence. He praised his qualities as a good husband and father and a faithful parishioner. They then took turns in washing each other's feet.

I felt that the entire congregation was in awe of this wonderful spectacle that we witnessed. It was a perfect way of demonstrating without preaching that we should all imitate the servanthood of Jesus Christ by serving each other. I am looking forward to the rest of the Triduum as we celebrate the death of Jesus on Good Friday and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday.