WASHING AND BETRAYAL

John 13: 1-30

When one confronts a crisis that has the potential of death, we humans often enter a different realm. We have heard of foxhole conversions and deathbed confessions. Being with one who is dying can be one of the most intimate and awesome experiences humans have. When we know one we love may die soon, reality seems to shift. After the loss of a spouse, a parent, or a child we often sense a different world.

Some times one who is facing dying says those things that he or she has always wanted to say but somehow couldn’t. Parents may have one last word of advice. Lovers express the depth of their love. Soldiers want their buddies to know who they really are. Jesus as John remembered him wanted his disciples to know him. Jesus wanted them to understand what he was all about. Jesus wanted them to remember after he was gone. So he washed their feet and told them one of them would betray him.

Remember or imagine such times of impending death.

Jesus made his point symbolically. He did that which only a slave would do—washed the feet of those dining with him. Peter probably asked what each of them felt, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus now knew that what he saw ahead they couldn’t comprehend yet. His impending death was not real to them. His mission was still veiled. Peter and Jesus’ dialogue expressed the disciples’ confusion. Jesus continued to explain; the mission will soon be theirs. The betrayer was prepared, but all they could ask was who is it.

Ponder on the reality of denial and betrayal. How does it happen? What brings us to that point? How do we react once it has happened? Seek more than quick answers. Invite Jesus to be present.

Lord Jesus, I am deeply sorry. How unaware I am; how often I betray. Only you can forgive. Only you can resurrect me. Please. Amen.

Blessings, Caroline