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Postmodern Foot Washing

Apart from when Pope Francis has washed the feet of prisoners or refugees or women, I am not a fan of modern-day foot washing. It’s generally awkward, no matter how well it’s done. And despite the well-intended metaphor, the act of foot washing doesn’t translate easily into our postmodern lives.

Instead of literally washing one another’s feet, we must transpose its meaning into everyday life. The question to ask is this: What needs in our culture are generally left to servants or left unattended altogether?

I can think of a few. Doing the dishes, of course, or cleaning the bathroom. And what about giving attention to that person who’s been kicked around for so long that they’re virtually impossible to talk with, whose behavior may merit no niceties whatsoever? Or what about those who need their souls washed with forgiveness—your forgiveness—and who may never acknowledge, let alone reciprocate, your gift?

After having washed his disciples’ feet, Jesus gave his disciples a new mandate:

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

I recently met with an esteemed leader of the Assyrian Church in northern Iraq. During our conversation he mentioned a comment by an Iraqi Muslim official about Christianity in Iraq, which has its roots in the first century. He said, “We know you are not a true faith because you don’t love each other.”

Ouch.

I wonder how differently the world would see Jesus if we could “differ in how we differ.” Perhaps modern-day foot washing looks a lot like learning how to love one another across faith traditions, theological differences, and political persuasions?

“A new command I give you…”