July 24, 2025 ( our 43rd wedding anniversary !!!! )
Good afternoon,
Foot washing Scene from the Gospel of John:
” I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:15-17
I have settled on the last part of the footwahing event from John for my focusing scripture going forward. It has taken me a few months. No other Gospel writer tells this story. Mennonites have done footwashing for a long time during their communion services. At least the Amish/Swiss Mennonites. During the final meal, Jesus gets up and says he is going to wash the feet of his disciples. Peter objects to this. After a few words from Jesus, Peter changes his mind and he wants everything washed. Then Jesus gives us the meaning he wants to get across to his friends. During the rest of the meal, he tells the disciples many more things.
I want to keep the attitude that Jesus wants for his followers. In such a polarizing time that we are living in, I have to be able to have difficult conversations, with an attitude of openness, but not fragility. I have to try to see it from another point of view, but I do not have to agree with it. I must continue to proclaim justice, peace and compassion when I am confronted with meanness, power and coercion. Now this is a challenging calling. But, you cannot wash another’s feet, and not be changed by the event. Since I did not grow up with the tradition, my first time for footwashing was at the MCC orientation retreat before we went to Thailand in September 1982. It was a sacred moment. As I have selected this scripture, I hope for more sacred moments in the future.
Praying for Gaza. AMEN.
Fred
black and white shadows
crush humanity’s freedom
am I complicit ?
MPL 2025
Ponder Anew 