Thursday, April 13, 2017

Grit Between Toes

Level: Advanced
     For our Maundy Thursday celebration, we did not wash feet. Growing up, washing feet was so awkward for me, that I would sometimes run from the room in fear. I didn't want to do it, so we didn't, and I am kind of regretting that now.
     It is a big deal in the Catholic Church; an act Jesus performed on his disciples to show humility, intimacy and servitude. That's an important point of reflection. Also, because it is done every year at every church, it is a big cultural element of Catholic heritage. Pope Francis is so scandalously liberal that the whole Catholic community waits to see who he will be washing this year: prisoners? women? Muslims? What kind of crazy thing will he do next?! I want my kids to be a part of Catholic culture, so I think it is important to incorporate it.
     Also, Maundy Thursday is a remembrance of the Last Supper; a supper Jesus knew was to be his last. He told his friends that he was about to die. He went to the garden and prayed that he would not die, but when the soldiers came, he faced the most difficult path of his life bravely calmly and openly. Facing down life's discomforts is a critical part of being a person, and this little reminder is a harmless practice that is a good reminder. Next year I think I am going to have to incorporate it. It will be good for the kids and good for me.