Holy Thursday(Click here for readings)
...[F]ully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, [Jesus] rose from supper and took off his outer garments...and began to wash the disciples' feet.
Fully aware that His hour had arrived, the Lord did what He does best: He surprised His apostles. He washed their feet and managed to give them a new commandment (to be discussed at a later time).
He washed their feet. Human life is entirely symbolic. Everything we do that is good, holy and right is symbolic of everything God does for us. Everything we do that is ugly, terrifying and disgusting is symbolic of everything the devil does to us. Our suffering is symbolic of Christ's suffering. Our sins are symbolic of the devil's sins. Our humility is symbolic of Christ's humility. Our pride is symbolic of the devil's. "There is nothing new under the sun" (cf. Ecclesiastics 9:11).
Trees are props. The air and sky are props. The rocks and dirt are props. Even our families are props. Night and day are special effects. The stage has been set by the Father. The hour has arrived.
What comes next are some of the most dramatic scenes of symbolism to ever take place on the world stage: the Last Supper and the washing of the disciples' feet. This story has it all: disobedience, disbelief, betrayal, abandonment, rejection, humiliation, remorse, despair, death, forgiveness and resurrection. But before all this can happen, one thing must take place: the washing of the disciples' feet.
Fully aware that His hour had come, the Lord decided to wash the feet of His men. This is truly remarkable. It is absolutely over-the-top. And it is entirely symbolic. It simply reflects the intense love the Lord has for us. All that is physical is symbolic of all that is.
Through the washing of our feet and the carrying of our Cross, the Lord washed away our infirmities, cleansed us of all our iniquities, and loved us beyond all understanding. He stooped down for us and did what we should have done for Him. We didn't. Maybe because we couldn't. So He reminded us that greatness is obtained through meekness. The Lord opened the kingdom of heaven to us through parables and symbols.
Every time we stoop down and choose the more humble approach towards people, we become more like Him, another Christ, the invisible God made flesh, the servant God. A Sacrament.
I find the washing of the disciples' feet and the carrying of the Cross attractive and powerful symbols of God's unconditional love for us. His mercy endures forever. What is forever? Surprise. Though eye may see the mind may never fully understand.
Now is the time for some symbolism!
Stay strong and stay the course, for the end to all symbolism is fast approaching.
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