"For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you."
John 13:15
Holy Thursday is one of my favorite liturgies to attend. I didn't grow up attending this Mass. In fact, it wasn't until I was an adult and a priest asked me to be a reader for Holy Thursday that I attended. I was so moved to my core and haven't missed a Holy Thursday liturgy since then.
In John's gospel, he recounts how during the Last Supper Jesus washed the disciples' feet. At that time, this would have been a job for the lowliest of servants. However, Jesus does this and tells his disciples that not only can they not follow him if they do not allow him to wash their feet, but that this is an example for them of how to live. To serve. To serve all.
During Holy Thursday's liturgy, the priest takes off his chasuble and washes the feet of 12 people. Often, the priest will kiss the feet of the person upon completion of the washing. It is beautiful. It is symbolic. It is a reminder to the priest and to all of us of what we are called to do as a follower of Jesus.
This particular Holy Thursday, the foot washing ritual hit my heart particularly hard. I watched our parish priest pour water over the feet, gently clean them, dry them, and kiss them. And I saw my father.
Two years ago, my mom suffered a minor stroke. She has some deficits. Not as many as some people, but definitely more than others. My father has filled the role over these last two years as her caretaker.
When I am at my folk's house, I see my dad prepare meals for my mom. At breakfast, he gets her cereal or toast ready and brings it to her. At lunch, he brings over a paper plate with a sandwich, a cookie (or two), and a glass of milk. Dinner is prepared and brought over to the table.
Because of some health issues, my mom has to wear very tight nylon stockings. It takes quite an effort for my dad to get these on my mom. She is quiet even though it is painful. And he is kind and patient and as gentle as possible as he works to get the stockings on her.
He makes her laugh. Throughout the tough moments of the day, he tells jokes or does silly things to bring a smile to her face. She still has tough days and moments of tears, but he can make her laugh like no one else can. I am grateful that their days have many moments of laughter woven through the many moments of challenges.
My mom hates not being able to do things for herself and her family that she could do before the stroke. My father has stepped into the role of caretaker without complaining even though he has some health issues himself.
Meals and stockings and laughter. Just three small details of the many things that my dad now does on a daily basis to help my mom. He serves.
Jesus washed the disciples' feet.
"For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you."
The priest washed the parishioner's feet.
"For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you."
Every day, I see my father following Jesus' example with humility and grace.
"For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you."
My mom's stroke has changed much of how we live. More so for them, of course, but in different ways for their children and grandchildren as well. However, it has also brought many opportunities to grow in faith and love. My siblings and I have been given a grace through all of this. We are witnesses of God's love being manifested through my parents in a way that it didn't before.
"For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you."
I pray that I can live out this example every day as beautifully as I see it lived out every time I am around my parents.
