Loving Even When We Don't Want To

In today’s Gospel, we are at the Last Supper with Jesus and his disciples. This beautiful story that we hear so often expresses Jesus love as he washes his disciple’s feet during the last supper. After eating the Passover meal with his disciples Jesus knows what’s coming in the days ahead for Him, however he doesn’t agonize over this instead he focuses on the relationship he has with his disciples. “He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.”

This task of washing ones feet is a task of a slave and here is Jesus, who comes from God pouring water into a basin washing the disciple’s feet. Peter at this point resists telling Jesus “You will never wash my feet.” However Jesus says “unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.”… How many times in our lives do we resist what Jesus is offering to us?

Can you imagine washing the feet of the person who will be betraying you or the person who is going to deny he evens know you? I cannot. However, we are asked to do this as Jesus did. Jesus love is unwavering. His commandment to love one another is to act in a loving way even when we do not want to.

“How in our own lives can we show gratitude for people who wash feet metaphorically?” This servitude comes in so many shapes and sizes. I find as a mom, a friend and someone who works with students and parents the opportunity is endless. Such as lending a hand to my daughter when being a new mom becomes overwhelming, having lunch with a friend who needs to talk, and by listening to the students when they share their joys and frustrations. I feel very blessed that Jesus took the time to show us the way to love.

As we are washed by Jesus generous love may we go out into the world and live this kind of love. So during Holy week let’s ponder over how we can love, respect and serve others.

Author: Laura O'Neal, Counseling Department