Beyond the Photograph: Washing of the Feet

     Hi, my name is Corinne and I am an RCIA team member at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph. A few weeks ago, at the end of an RCIA meeting, I was asked by the Faith Formation Coordinator to be one of the volunteers for the Mass on Holy Thursday. I accepted, completely unaware that I was going to participate in the rite of “the washing of the feet”. When I eventually found out, I had some trepidation about whether I should proceed, but I was committed. “It is such an honor,” my friend told me. My cousin thought I was so lucky to have been chosen. I felt excited and nervous at the same time. I invited a few friends to come with me to the Mass on Holy Thursday for encouragement. One of them was invited to be a volunteer as well.
     I sat down at one of the reserved seats for the twelve participants. It was comforting to know my friends were sitting nearby. The Mass started and after the homily it was time for "the washing of the feet.”  I felt a bit anxious. Was this feeling the same uneasiness Peter felt which led him to say to Jesus, “You will never wash my feet”? I wondered. With anticipation, I watched as the three priests headed toward the participants. I relieved that I was not one of the first participants to get my feet washed!  I noticed that my friend sitting at the opposite end of the pew was moved to tears after getting her feet washed. Without enough time to process what I had just observed, I realized I was next. The priest knelt to pour water over my feet into the basin below. Even though the water felt cold on my feet, a rush of warmth came over me. I watched in amazement as he proceeded to wash my feet, blessed me with the Holy kiss on my feet, then headed to the next pew.
     Still in a euphoric mood, I was left to reflect on my experience. In that moment, I truly felt closer to God. I felt his presence, the unconditional love Jesus has for me and for all of us. “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” Then it became clear to me what Jesus was teaching Simon Peter. The washing of the feet was essentially about love and service. 

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” John 13:14

     Jesus has set an example to his disciples by washing their feet. Getting my feet washed by the priest was a calling for me to do the same for others. I know that I will fully understand the meaning of the washing of the feet when I respond to that calling. The beautiful moment left an imprint on my heart. Now I feel so inspired and empowered to love and serve that I cannot wait to “wash everyone’s feet”!
     By that I mean I am thinking of ways that I can serve the Church and the community more. I am also a lector as well as an RCIA team member. Serving as an RCIA team member for the first time this season, I watched the baptism and confirmation of adults whom my team guided through their journey of faith. I learned a lot more about the faith going through this process with the Elect.  Are you thinking of ways that you might serve?   I invite you to consider joining me and others to become an RCIA team member yourself.

---

     Are you interested in joining RCIA or becoming a member of the RCIA team? Contact us for more information at [email protected].