So he got up from the table, removed his garment, and taking a towel, wrapped it around his waist. Then
he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel he was
wearing. When he came to Simon Peter, Simon asked him, “Why, Lord, do you want to wash my feet?” Jesus
said, “What I am doing you cannot understand now, but afterward you will understand it.” Peter replied, “You
shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you can have no part with me.” Then
Simon Peter said, “Lord, wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head! Jesus replied, “Whoever has
taken a bath does not need to wash (except the feet), for he is clean all over. You are clean, though not all of
you.” Jesus knew who was to betray him; because of this he said, “Not all of you are clean.” (…)
Reflection:
The greatest expression of humility is when you finally have the
courage to stoop down, get on your knees and consider the welfare of
others above your own. You dirty yourself in order that others may be clean.
You give up your comfort so that others would feel comfortable. Jesus
precisely did that in today’s gospel. The fear of Simon Peter is not so much for the
Lord but for himself. He sees before his eyes the dream of greatness and grandeur
he envisions for his future crumble. It is replaced by his Master’s example of
humility. When we become the Lord’s disciple, our path to greatness is inversed. It is
not an upward or climbing up the ladder of success but in continuous pouring
of oneself downward.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2021