52 Weeks at the Table – Week 41

It has been a week or less since Mary, sister of Lazarus and Martha, washed the feet of Jesus. As the twelve reclined at the Passover table, ready to be served, Jesus demonstrated this same gesture of humility and servitude to them. He washed their feet. Peter objected, and was told that unless he is washed, he has no part in his Lord. Jesus explained that this example was for them to follow; that greatness in His kingdom was to be measured in humble service.

After dismissing Judas to do what the betrayer had committed to do, Jesus tried again to remind them that He would soon be gone, and despite Peter’s good intention to try to follow, he would not be able to. In fact, before the day was out, he would three times turn his back on His Lord.

A Prayer Over the Bread

Glorious Father of the suffering Servant, we see in His example the humility you intend for us to display in our lives. We perceive our deep need to be washed, not only our feet but our whole selves, without and within. We have bold intentions and proclaim deep commitments, but too often turn our backs on the One to whom we have committed our lives. Forgive us our denials, we pray, in our proclamation of His body in this bread. Amen.

A Prayer Over the Cup

Our holy and righteous God, be glorified we pray in the washing of our inner being by the contents of this cup, Your Son’s blood. Grant us the grace to wash each other’s feet when our feet become dirty and stumble together. Help us to always remember the Master who knelt as a servant kneels, the Lord who washed as a slave washes, the Jesus who gave Himself fully that we might give His example to all. Amen.