by Dave Robinson
Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 | 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 | John 13:1-15
The readings for today all speak to recognition, to identity at the deepest levels. The identity of Jesus as the Christ, as God among us, renders the foot-washing that much more powerful an image. The Christ kneels before us to wash our feet and calls us to do the same for each other in order that we live out our identity as disciples of Christ.
So too with the Last Supper. Our identity as Christians is proclaimed by Jesus’ words, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
Knowing who we are is necessarily bound up with knowing what we are called to do. How we are is part and parcel of who we are. “What I just did was to give you an example: as I have done, so you must do.” Jesus’ ministry has been an ongoing succession of teachings and actions that together give us a picture of authentic discipleship. When followed, they lead us to our true identity and away from the lies and false idolatries that distort who we truly are.
- How do we follow this Christ in our daily lives?
- Whose feet are we called to wash?
- In whose service must we humbly place ourselves in order to fully proclaim our identity as disciples of the nonviolent Jesus?
- Where in your life is God inviting you to let go of your need to control and protect in order to embrace the freedom of the resurrection?
This reflection was written by Dave Robinson in the Lenten reflection booklet for 2005, Into Your Hands: Reflections for Lent 2005.