(Note: The gospel for today is so similar to yesterday’s that the following scene from the Last Supper is used.)
Prayer:
Jesus, bathe me in your cleansing waters.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus washing Peter’s feet.
Context:
Peter is so special to Jesus that even in the washing of feet, there is a unique dialogue. The others accept this action (which a servant usually performs) without saying anything. Peter has two strong emotions – at first, refusing to be washed and then, enthusiastically asking to be totally washed.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now but you will understand later.” Peter said, “Lord, you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “If I do not wash you, you shall have no inheritance with me.” Peter said to him, “Lord, wash not only my feet, but my hands and my head.” Jesus said, “To be fully clean, you need only wash your feet. You are clean, but not all” (He knew who would betray him.)
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- Peter resists this shift in his relationship to Jesus. His feelings cannot adjust to Jesus being a servant.
- Jesus explains very little, saying only, “Later will you understand.”
- Peter’s resistance heightens. His questioning becomes a refusal.
- Jesus states the consequences “You will have no part with me.”
- Peter’s heart is in the right place. He would never want to lose his relationship to Jesus.
- Peter’s surrender is full – the feet, the hands, the head. Like walking on the water.
- Peter hears those powerful words – “You are clean.”
- Jesus grows sad because “not all are clean.”
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Lord, your goodness is too great for me.
- Your actions overwhelm me and your nearness causes me to fear.
- I run from you when I should just be still.
- I flee from you, but you chase after me.
- I put up walls but you go around them.
- I close doors, but you enter anyway.
- Bathe me, O Lord, from head to toe.
- Jesus, you say “You are clean” and my heart pounds.
- You say “not all are clean” and I see the mystery of your care for me.
Resolution: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ Cleansed once in Baptism, I will seek the second cleansing of confession.
+ I will ponder the following – “I cannot understand why Jesus loves me and cleanses me.”