Monday, October 1, 2007

Jesus washes the feet of his disciple.


We can conclude this series of images of Jesus as the Guru, by reflecting on the action that Jesus did during the last supper, when he washed the feet of his disciples. He told Peter that unless he washed his feet, Peter could have no part in him. This act is again reminding us of the symbolic significance of Baptism. But it is also radical, and even shocking in a way. Generally it is the disciple who bathes the feet of the master, rather than the other way round. In this action, Jesus also showed a new way of being a teacher, not as one who stands above, and beyond the disciple, but rather as one who serves, and offers himself in humility to those who want to follow the way of love.

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