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LentArt: Washing the Disciples' Feet

Today's #LentArt post is "The washing of the disciples' feet" by Ghislaine Howard, another piece from the wonderful Methodist Modern Art Collection. It has clearly struck a chord with a number of people, and I am delighted that tonight's guest blog is by my friend and fellow 4 Corners Director, Father Martin Magill, who, he will be embarrassed to have me say, is for me the epitome of a servant leader. Indeed it was interesting to have a friend and artist respond to my earlier post saying that this time last year she remembers having her feet washed by Martin... How much has changed in a year:



This painting (completed in 2004) was inspired by these words from the gospel of John in today's lectionary: 
Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God. So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him. He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realise now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “Never shall You wash my feet!” Peter told Him. 
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.” Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not only my feet, but my hands and my head as well!” 
(John 13:3-9) 

I found it very helpful to incorporate the picture within my prayer time as I was preparing to write this. It took on an added significance this year because it will not be possible to have the actual washing of the feet as part of the liturgy on Holy Thursday owing to the restrictions imposed on us because of Covid-19. Ghislaine Howard’s picture is an artistic reminder of the importance of humble service: “the ministry of basin and towel.” 

Through the various artistic pieces which David has placed before us during these days of Lent, we have been given a different lens to view the scriptures. 

In looking at this picture I was struck by its crisp simplicity. It seems to me that although it is a relatively recent work (2004) the picture will travel well down the years. I found the simplicity of the colour scheme very appealing and helped me capture the mood of the upper room. The combination of green, blue and pinkish brown work well to communicate something both ordinary (the washing of feet after a journey) as this was in those days and yet deeply profound. Once again in his short ministry Jesus turns things upside some - roles are reversed: - Peter the disciple or the learner is being served by the Teacher or the Master. The Teacher has assumed the role of servant - the words of the early Christian hymn quoted by St Paul in his letter to the Philippians come to mind - 
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! 
(Philippians 2:5-8) 

Here is Jesus the servant leader living out the words of this hymn in this act of humility. Peter’s raised hand seems to show he is uncertain about what was happening - he protested first and then being typically Peter when he begins to realise what Jesus is doing he is straight in to be fully involved wanting not just his feet but also his hands and his head as well to be washed. 

On Holy Thursday we also recall these words of Jesus, (the command or Latin "mandatum" which gives this day the name "Maundy Thursday": 
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 
(John 13:34-35) 
(EDITORS NOTE - there are all sorts of new laws being passed at this time in the UK and Ireland to restrict people's freedom of movement - perhaps if we paid more attention to this new command/law of Jesus we wouldn't need such laws!)

There are some important questions that are worth considering during these strange restricted days as we reflect on the example of the humble service of Jesus such as: - How do we live out these words of Jesus? Will we be better followers by the time the restrictions are lifted?

PRAYER (adapted from the Methodist Church's order of service for Maundy Thursday) 
Father
On this night on which he was betrayed
your Son Jesus Christ washed his disciples' feet and said they ought to wash each other's feet.
We commit ourselves to follow his example of love and service.
Lord hear us.
Lord humble us.

On this night he prayed for his disciples to be one.
We give thanks for the work of 4 Corners and other ecumenical initiatives and pray for the unity of your church.
Lord hear us
Lord unite us.

On this night Jesus prayed for those who were to believe in him.
We pray for the mission of the church, that even in this time when we cannot meet that you would show us how to share your love and good news by word and deed.
Lord hear us
Lord renew our zeal.

On this night Jesus demonstrated love but experienced rejection.
We pray for those who feel rejected and unloved; those who are experiencing great loneliness in isolation at this time and those who are experiencing abuse at the hands of those with whom they are in prolonged confinement.
Lord hear us
Lord fill us with your love.

On this night Jesus reminded his disciples that if the world hated them, it hated him first.
We pray for those who are persecuted for their faith, and for those who use their power and authority to persecute others.
Lord hear us
Father Martin Magill
Lord increase our faith.

On this night Jesus told his disciples that he was going to prepare a place for them.
We remember in your presence all who have died, those who have been bereaved 
those who are facing death and those who are with them at this time
Lord hear us
Lord renew our hope and trust in you.

For we ask this all through Christ, our suffering servant King. AMEN

Shalom

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