Reflection on John 13:1-35

When stripped bear, you might see the imperfections in my feet.

I have a somewhat crooked little toe which was the result of kicking the concrete step in front of our trailer house while running.  There are peeling heals that never seem to improve.  There is that toenail that never grows straight and has the crack on the side.

I realize that this is probably not what you came here to read.  Feet can be rather disgusting.

You know, from afar feet my feet look fine.  With nicely shined leather shoes on Sundays they look pretty grand.

However, when stripped bear they are far from perfect.  I scrunch my toes under my feet at the pool to hide the imperfections from those who would pry with their invasive eyes.

Stripped bear, my soul fairs no better.  Crooked intentions hide behind actions that gleam good.  There are all the vices that never seem to improve.  Quite frankly, stripped bear, you would see a person who has a cracked soul.  One that fails to be filed smooth.

You know, if you stand from afar everything looks fine.  Nice clothes and religious titles can hide quite a bit.  But, stripped bear, the soul is far from perfect.

That is why it is remarkable that Jesus strips, taking off his outer gowns in order to wash our exposed selves and joins us and our naked feet. 

“Lord, are you going to wash our feet?”

As if our stained feet and stained souls could taint one who gleams.

But, Jesus is not afraid in the least.  He draws close and touches all that is shameful, all that is sinful, and all that is naked and exposed.

That is the way of love, whether you are Judas, or Peter, or Thomas (whether sinful, unreliable, or reluctant to trust) love does not care, it only sees dirt that needs to be washed off.

“Not all of you needs to be cleaned, but only the feet.”

The Lord knows the heart that God created in us, a gleaming spark of love in the night.

“Take off your sandals and let me see.” 

Jesus washes away the dust on the soul and finds the love that he knew he put there.  Once exposed and made clean; you shine all that love once again.

We shine the love of the one who was stripped, hung for all to see, and showed love to all the world, naked on a cross.

So, “wash one another’s feet,”  Jesus says.
“Help each other’s love shine.” 
“Love as I have loved you.” 
Do not be ashamed,
and love all will find.