“DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME…”

It was a most memorable Holy Thursday celebration. About forty of us – students, faculty and visitors – had gathered in the campus chapel to begin the annual journey through the Easter Triduum. The liturgical features and the rituals of the three days recalling the sacred passion, death and resurrection of our Lord were familiar to everyone. We thought we knew what was going to happen. We had an expectation of how the Mass of the Lord’s Supper would proceed.

At what would have been the usual time, the room was still surprisingly empty of the usual items needed to honour the Holy Thursday tradition. No basin, water or towels appeared. We were all subtly looking around, wondering where they were. None of us were prepared for what happened next.

The priest presiding at this celebration quietly invited us to recall a time when someone had washed our feet. No other clue. Just that simple instruction: “Think about a time when someone washed your feet.” Silence filled the room as we pondered. After a brief time, we were instructed to gather in groups of three or four so we could share our stories.

I recall feeling quite uncertain about my story, as it had nothing to do with an actual foot-washing experience. However, it was all that came to mind. I joined two other persons, forming a group of three. We were all a little tentative as we began to share.

Each of the three of us had instantly recalled a time when someone had fed us. In the midst of a difficulty, a challenging or an uncertain time, we were somehow strengthened, renewed and made ready to continue our life journey. Our dignity was restored, our confidence returned, and we were mysteriously made stronger and ready to face the world again. And it was all because someone had lovingly prepared and served us food.

After our brief sharing, we had only a moment to ponder what all this might mean. Two more people arrived, hesitating at the doorway because they were late. They were obviously surprised to see some kind of small-group discussions taking place.

We three, standing nearest the doorway, welcomed them and invited them to join our conversation. Although each took only a brief moment to ponder, both were a little hesitant in sharing their stories. All they had was the memory of a time when someone fed them. They were relieved to learn that we had shared remarkably comparable stories!

When it was most needed, our feet were “washed” because someone fed us. As we recall the events of that Holy Thursday and consider our own life experiences, we might see a deep and mysterious connection between the two actions.

Living now, in a time when we do not usually greet our guests with a basin, a pitcher of water, and a towel, this connection is worthy of pondering. One way or another, we can all “wash” each other’s feet.

Jesus took some of the bread and wine available at the table during that Passover celebration. They were blessed and shared. Food made sacred and holy. We honour this Eucharistic tradition, grateful for our invitation to be part of it.

Without taking anything away from the meaning and the grace of receiving the real presence of our Lord and Saviour in the Sacrament of the Eucharist – every sharing of food has the capacity to be holy.

Jesus was attentive to the significance. In his mind, the simple act of offering a cup of water is sacred and worthy of his notice. Our small efforts, symbolized by the few loaves and fishes the disciples could collect, can be blessed into abundance. In the breaking of bread, the sharing of the cup, and the washing of feet, we are made whole and holy. May we respond whole-heartedly to his invitation: “Do this in memory of me.”

Brenda Merk Hildebrand has a deep passion for lifelong learning, education, and spiritual and palliative care. She appreciates the opportunities that have come her way to share life’s transforming journey with others: one-with-one, through intentional group settings, in animating workshops and retreats, and by way of her writing. Brenda is a long-time contributor to Living with Christ.