The Sacraments of Holy Thursday

Tonight the Christian church will gather to remember our Lord's final meal with his disciples. Though we call it by various names - the Lord's Supper, Eucharist, the Mass, Holy Communion - the elements and the actions will remain the same. Bread will be blessed, broken, and shared. A cup will be blessed, broken, and shared. We will remember the Body of Christ crucified and the Body of Christ gathered in our flesh around the table.

Most churches omit the other sign-action which Jesus performed that night. He instructed us to follow his example in this deed as well: "You also should do as I have done for you." (John 13:15) However, most of us will disregard his example of foot washing.

Whatever the reasons behind our reluctance, we are missing a clear and strong experience of Christ's presence. Foot washing surfaces some fundamental questions. Who is this Jesus, if not the servant of the lowliest? What characterized Jesus' life and ministry, if not humility? What practice can shape us after the image of Christ if not this offering of voluntary downward mobility?

"The greatest among you must be servant of all," Jesus said. Let us ponder the love expressed in taking a neighbor's foot, gently cleansing away the sweat and dirt, and drying it in a large towel. Foot washing is the other "sacrament" of Holy Thursday, now largely forgotten. It is time for the church to reestablish this holy practice.