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

Home at last.

We are finally home, ending what was the longest week of our lives, I believe. The surgery went well, thanks to everyone's prayers. The surgeon said everything looked good, the optic nerve wasn't enlarged (a possible indication that the tumor hasn't spread). They were very pleased with the results and we should know in a few weeks what our next step is for Catherine.

We left Philadelphia at 2:30 PM and arrived home at 11:30 PM even with heavy traffic around Philly and the beginnings of a snow storm along I76 & I70 all the way home.

The boys didn't know we were coming home tonight. My mother told them it would be Saturday evening, just in case we got caught in the storm. One is in our bed and I don't even care!!! They will be surprised in the morning....and then....the reprogramming begins! It will be fun.

We'll try to post pictures of the boys and Catherine tomorrow for ya'll.

I do have to take a moment and thank everyone, as best I can, for your prayers through all of this. It was a very difficult time for Nicole and I (Catherine will never know any different) and your prayers, support, and well wishes have pulled us through (again). We are terribly saddened that Catherine had to lose and eye but as the doctor said this morning, "we saved her life by doing this." It wasn't easy and many tears were shed but I firmly believe that your prayers, sacrifices, and holy hours gave us the strength to face this challenge. I can't personally thank everyone that prayed for us but you are all in our prayers. We thank God for you always. God Bless you all!

Comments

Nod said…
God bless you all, you've been through so much. Glad that the surgery went well.
Pogue Mahone said…
I am glad it went well; you are in my prayers,and if it's any consolation, if her retina was detached the chances are she wouldn't have been able to see regardless and was already blind due to the tumour,, so the surgical removal of the eye wouldn't have worsened it any different but in fact has saved her life! Praise to God it was found in time. He is Good.Our son had leukemia 4 years ago and it is a rough and terrifying road, but God gets you thru it!
Marian said…
I am so glad to learn that all went well. Little Catherine will be fine and strong. It is wonderful that the doctor's could help her. A friend of mine had this procedure done many years ago. No one knows that she had an eye problem unless she decides to share that she only has one eye.
You all made it through the worst of it. Now it is time to heal.