There are few things as humbling as having your feet washed
by another person, especially in today's US America. It is simply an awkward process...my feet are
either dirty from going bare-foot in the spring, summer, and early fall, or they
cold, splattered with sock-lint, and perhaps sweaty from being stuffed into a
pair of boots during the fall and winter months. And there are few acts of service more
humbling than washing another person's feet, which generally have the same
issues as my feet.
Footwashing, as modeled by Jesus in John 13, is an essential
act of love and service for Mennonites.
Mennonites believe that when we wash each other's feet we share in the
body of Christ, acknowledging our need to be cleansed, renewing our willingness
to let go of pride and power, and offer our lives in humble service and
sacrificial love.
The first time I became aware of this practice was at
Messiah College. During a chapel
service, they placed chairs and full basins of water in front of the chairs
with stacks of towels next to the chairs.
I remember a friend and I went up together to wash each other's feet
. I admit it was weird, uncomfortable,
and humbling (an honestly who likes to be humbled?). It was also one of the most valuable and
meaningful practices I have been a part of.
If you want to give it a try, traditionally footwashing
services are held every Maundy Thursday (the day before Good Friday) at
Anabaptist churches (Mennonite; Brethren; Brethren in Christ being three
denominations considering themselves Anabaptists). They can also be held quarterly, or whenever
deemed appropriate by a congregation...make sure to check one out!
Want to learn more?
Here is Article 13 of the Mennonite Confession of faith: http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/article-13-foot-washing/
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