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

Shutting down the Millstone factory.

Luke 17:1-6

Wow! There goes the "hug-me-Jesus" idea right out the window again! But I guess when it comes to sin Jesus gets pretty serious. Sin is a terrible thing. It has the power to destroy a soul for eternity. Here Jesus says that it is better that one should suffer that fate than two. It is better that the one who leads others into sin should die than for them to live and bring others down with them. The "millstone" of sin will drag to the bottom anyone who hangs onto it!

I think we have been conditioned to think of this passage as speaking of leading children into sin because Jesus uses the term "little ones." However, it is a serious offense at any age. I am just as capable of leading my family and friends into sin as I am of leading my children. In fact, I am probably more likely to lead the adults in my life to sin than I am to lead my children. I am around adults more than my children and I may say or do things in the presence of adults that I may not do in the presence of my children.

Lest we start a millstone factory and begin ringing everyone's necks with them, Jesus balances this serious warning with the call to forgiveness. If we are scandalized, or "sinned against" we have the duty to lovingly rebuke our brother in the Lord. If this correction is done in love and is effective we have saved our souls and the soul of our brother(cf. James 5:19-20). He even takes it a step further and tells us that even if it happens over and over, we must forgive. This isn't too hard when I think of my "repeated" sins and the times when God has forgiven me again and again.

Increase our faith! What an awesome prayer! I should seek to pray this prayer every day!!

Going Deeper

Today let us pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for someone who in our life we feel has led us into sin.  Maybe it was a friend, neighbor, or relative.  Let us pray for their conversion and healing as well as out own, "for the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world."


How to get better at prayer.
  1. Set a prayer appointment - Set a time on your calendar each day to meet and speak with God.
  2. Slowly increase your prayer time. - Don't jump in with an hour right from the get-go.  Build up your "tolerance" so to speak.
  3. Commit - to praying and slowly increasing your prayer time for 30 days.  Mark off the days on your calendar.  If you miss a day, jump right back in, don't give up.
  4. Pray - praying is talking to God, it's spending time with your attention focused on Him.  I enjoy spending time with my children regardless of their level of development.  God is the same way.  Spend time praying as best you can.  Use formal prayers if you want or simply speak in conversation.  Don't forget to listen
  5. Journal - Our newly revised 4 Simple Steps to Better Scripture Meditations: Guide, Workbook, and Journal walks you through 4 easy steps that will help you go deeper in your prayer life.  It includes 31 days of workbook and journal pages too!
  6. Read other good books about how to pray better - Prayer PrimerDeep Conversion, Deep PrayerTime for GodThe Spiritual Life: A Comprehensive Guide to Catholics Seeking Salvation.


My new book of poetry, The Last Dragon and Other Poems is available now.
 
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God bless you - Jim Hahn


* Contains affiliate links. No, that doesn't mean that the kids should leave the room. Rather, it means that if you click on a link, and if you purchase something, I may get some financial remuneration for that click and buy. All that means is that my kids will finally get to eat, just kidding but I may get something, just so you know...

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