Foot-Washing
Excerpt from John 13:1-17
"After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, 'Do you know what I have done to you?'"
Reflection by Donna Schaper
What follows is an odd story for the middle of summer--even though manicurists often do their most business in the sandal months. Two years ago at Christmas, a manicurist in New York City, around the corner from where I live, had to go to the bathroom. She had been washing people's feet for what she described as 12 straight hours. The owner of the shop said she could not go, as there were more clients and more feet. She refused the refusal. As she left the shop that night, six other foot washers walked out with her. We could never find them, not through the Domestic Workers' Alliance, the Chinese Workers' Alliance and several personal contacts. Why were we looking? Because of Jesus. And a sobbing phone call that told us the story, begged for help, and then disappeared. She wanted help she could not receive, for whatever reasons I'll never know.
I get a pedicure from time to time, and my mother who is 20 years my senior gets one every week. I am glad for her. I no longer go to the salon around the corner. After my Christmas appointment that year, I was no longer welcome. I don’t like Chinese women bowing down in front of me, but I do like supporting their growing businesses. I also enjoy their attention to my feet. I just can’t stop thinking about Jesus who washed feet and understood that the disciples didn't understand. Their quandary is mine. Jesus’ kindness is often mistaken for weakness, as the rap singers say. Plus, humility is one thing, bowing down another. Freedom at work and freedom from overwork is a third. In sandal season and at Christmas, remember this ideal man who washed his disciples' feet, then put on his robe and returned to the table.
Prayer
Jesus, you are the Spirit of the Living God, whose hands and feet we are. Help us understand why some people think they are better than others. Bring us all, robed, to your table. When we are always waited upon, and never wait, find us some feet. Let us wash them. Amen.
Excerpt from John 13:1-17
"After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, 'Do you know what I have done to you?'"
Reflection by Donna Schaper
What follows is an odd story for the middle of summer--even though manicurists often do their most business in the sandal months. Two years ago at Christmas, a manicurist in New York City, around the corner from where I live, had to go to the bathroom. She had been washing people's feet for what she described as 12 straight hours. The owner of the shop said she could not go, as there were more clients and more feet. She refused the refusal. As she left the shop that night, six other foot washers walked out with her. We could never find them, not through the Domestic Workers' Alliance, the Chinese Workers' Alliance and several personal contacts. Why were we looking? Because of Jesus. And a sobbing phone call that told us the story, begged for help, and then disappeared. She wanted help she could not receive, for whatever reasons I'll never know.
I get a pedicure from time to time, and my mother who is 20 years my senior gets one every week. I am glad for her. I no longer go to the salon around the corner. After my Christmas appointment that year, I was no longer welcome. I don’t like Chinese women bowing down in front of me, but I do like supporting their growing businesses. I also enjoy their attention to my feet. I just can’t stop thinking about Jesus who washed feet and understood that the disciples didn't understand. Their quandary is mine. Jesus’ kindness is often mistaken for weakness, as the rap singers say. Plus, humility is one thing, bowing down another. Freedom at work and freedom from overwork is a third. In sandal season and at Christmas, remember this ideal man who washed his disciples' feet, then put on his robe and returned to the table.
Prayer
Jesus, you are the Spirit of the Living God, whose hands and feet we are. Help us understand why some people think they are better than others. Bring us all, robed, to your table. When we are always waited upon, and never wait, find us some feet. Let us wash them. Amen.
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