The Bare Foot (2)

simplicity // 38
the Bare Foot (2)

Often it’s the simplest actions that cut the deepest. Great leaders know as much. Life needn’t be complicated. So let’s not make it so, today,

During the last supper, Jesus rocked his disciples (and in particular, Peter) by washing their feet. Masters didn’t do this. It was a final demonstration of the absurd, foolish love he had shown to those he had walked with, and who would continue to walk his way.

There is something very sensual and humbling about having your feet washed. I remember experiencing it once, at the start of a labyrinth service we’d constructed. I really didn’t want my friends to get too close to my corns; it was humbling, embarrassing and hard to receive. But it was also beautiful, in a manner – as with all the most potent symbols and metaphors – that went far, far beyond words.

So imagine receiving such treatment from Jesus himself.

Really: imagine it. For as much as Jesus chose to lead by serving, so we must choose to follow by receiving. Only then can we trace his steps, and participate in the adventure of divine love. For “unless I wash you,” he told Peter, “you have no part with me.”

So receive, we must: not necessarily from the usual wish-list of a comfier life, or a nicer job, or better health (though such things would be lovely, too). But certainly from the humble love that humbles still, and washes clean, and puts us back on our feet, for the journey ahead.


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action point: the THREE word memoir!

Traditionally on the Lent 40 I have challenged you to write a ‘six-word memoir’. Let’s reduce that to three words, this year! So, try to capture, in three words, what Lent has been about for you this year, and send us your reply. Make it spontaneous, fun, serious, whatever you like. But please HAVE A GO! It’s wonderful when we’re able to see a snapshot of what others are thinking!

And, spend five minutes meditating on having your feet washed by Jesus. Imagine, truly imagine, what it must have been like for the disciples, and ask what it must aksi be like for you to receive such a humbling act of service.


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rsvp:

“Thinking about journeys, one Take That song always comes to mind - Never Forget. Yes even they have words of wisdom. 'Never forget where you're coming from, never pretend that it's all real, someday soon this will all be someone else's dream, this will be someone else's dream'. Did we dream Lent 40? Or are we going to 'follow the road going down the other side of this hill'?!” Kirsty


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May you find your feet, today.
Go well!

Brian