As we trooped into PE, inevitably the Teacher went round the class to check our kit and see if we were properly attired. Most of us were but one boy had come in his socks as he head forgotten his trainers or gym shoes as they were referred to back then. Not being allowed to participate in his socks he was take to take them off. What was revealed to the world were the dirtiest blackest feet I had ever seen. So memorable that I still recall them today. He was summarily dipatched to the changing rooms to scrape them clean.
In the Christian calender of Holy Week this is Maundy Thursday. Traditionally this is when Jesus is thought to have washed the feet of His disciples as they sat for a meal and in their pride, haste, thoughtlessness, lazyness or whatever, could not bring themselves to take the role of servant and wash the feet of those who had come to eat.
In the dim-lit Chapel, as a boy I would watch the Celebrant on this day, wash the feet of 12 men, one of them being 'Big Tom', the Teacher who used to regularly wrap my knuckles with a thick black pencil!
And today Pope Francis 1st is breaking with tradition and moving away from the Vatican to wash the feet of some young people in an offenders unit.
In a hot dusty climate, having clean feet, freshly washed is a great feeling. I will never forget the stunningly refreshing impact of washing my feet in a fountain in Athens one very hot day. As for feet? They are not exactly the nicest of things, especially on grown men. It is one thing to wash a baby's feet but a full grown man who has been tramping around the streets? Jesus washed the feet of 12 men and one of them the most awkward of characters?
The text tells us,'The evening meal was being served............He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing and wrapped a towel round His waist. After that He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples feet, drying them with the towel that was around His waist' (The Gospel of John Chapter 13)
It was a stratling moment. The Rabbi washing the feet of His own followers. The Rabbi taking the role of a servant. Then He added, 'I have set you and example that you should do as I have done for you.'
In a Marriage what matters often is not the big things but the sequence of small acts of service which we render each other. Love is about looking out for the other person and their welfare. How can I love my partner today? How might I wash my partner's feet today in a way which will bless them?
Sometimes those who lest deserve it are those who most need it. It could make all the difference to any relationship. As Jesus concluded, living like this is the way of blessing.
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