Washing Feet: An Example of Service or Something More?

Jesus Washing Peter's Feet by Ford Madox Brown 1852-6 So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. - John 13:2-5 Today, in 2024 A.D., we don't give much thought to these few sentences. The impact of the activity of Jesus is lost on us because a) We wear shoes everywhere. Many of us even have "inside shoes" and "outside shoes". b) The Church's liturgy (as popularly practiced) often misses or lessens the importance of this event (pro tip: it's not simply Jesus giving and example of serving others). Contrary to what we see in the movies, the roads in the time of Jesus weren't all covered in perfectly placed cobblestones or silky, fine dust. If r

I love Lent!

You know the tune...

It's the most wonderful time of the year
With fish fries a smelling
and everyone telling you "try giving up beer"
It's the most wonderful time of the year.

It's the pray-prayingest season of all
with weekly prayer meetings
and mission priest greetings
out in the church hall
It's the pray-prayingest season of all

There'll be stations for praying
and rosaries saying
And lovely desserts to forgo
There'll be sacrifice stories
and tales of the glories of
Lenten times long, long ago

It's the most wonderful time of the year
There'll be much ashes showing
on bald heads that are growing
much thinner each year
It's the most wonderful time of the year

There'll be folks a wondering
do we fast on Sunday
or is it a day to let go
There'll be lots of almsgiving
with rice bowls a jingling
heavy with pennies we know

It's the most wonderful time of the year
There'll be lots of confessing
and altars undressing
when Holy Week nears
It's the most wonderful time
It's the most prayerful time
It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Should I be this cheery going in to Lent?

- Matthew 6:16 - "When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you."

Comments

Anonymous said…
I love it!
Anonymous said…
too funny!
Anonymous said…
so are you giving up beer?? say it aint so.
matt
Cathy said…
what about the verse about breaking your penance and it's only the 2nd day of Lent!?!? or is that in another song...

On the second day of Lent, I already broke my fast...and a partridge in a pear tree
James M. Hahn said…
Thanks for the idea!!!