A Holy Week Reflection for MAUNDY THURSDAY

THE SERVANT

He invites the disciples to his meal.

Wraps the towel around his waist. Sets the basin at their feet. And himself beside.

“Lord, do you wash my feet?” Peter asks.

“What I do now you do not understand.”

“Lord, you will never wash my feet.”

“If I do not wash your feet, you have no part in me.”

Peter accedes, then overtries, on his steps to faith.

The Life puts in Peter’s foot. Lifts another dripping foot out.

Someone thinks of the baptisms they performed all across Israel.

Unclear if Peter thinks of the hand that pulled him from the churning waters.

The Life dries him with the clean linen that covers him. Pink and olive skin blossoms from the towel. Sets the bright flesh on the cool terra cotta.

So he does with all his disciples. Seats them at his table.

“I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you.”

So welcomes the Lamb.

(John 13:1–17, 4:1–2, Matthew 14:28–31, Luke 22:15)

Excerpted from Christ the Life by Thomas L. Martin

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