Posted: 3/28/2010 2:11:00 PM EDT
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Went to mass this morning (long time away) and the pastor made reference to the symbolic washing of the feet. I'm not even sure what this ritual is formally called. I vaguely remember this from my early Catholic religion classes. Can anyone tell me what this means/symbolizes? Is this a Christian or just a Catholic ritual?
Thanks! |
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from wiki and this is pretty close with several other references
Background The root of this practice appears to be found in the hospitality customs of ancient civilizations, especially where sandals were the chief footwear. A host would provide water for guests to wash their feet, provide a servant to wash the feet of the guests or even serve the guests by washing their feet. This is mentioned in several places in the Old Testament of the Bible (e.g. Genesis 18:4; 19:2; 24:32; 43:24; I Samuel 25:41; et al.), as well as other religious and historical documents. A typical Eastern host might bow, greet, and kiss his guest, then offer water to allow guest to wash their feet or have servants do it. Though the wearing of sandals might necessitate washing the feet, the water was also offered as a courtesy even when shoes were worn. I Samuel 25:41 is the first passage where an honored person offers to wash feet as a sign of humility. In John 12, Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus' feet presumably in gratitude for raising her brother Lazarus from the dead, and in preparation for his death and burial. The Bible records washing of the saint's feet being practiced by the primitive church in I Timothy 5:10 perhaps in reference to piety, submission and/or humility. |
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When Jesus originally washed his apostles' feet, it has cultural references. Back then, people generally wore sandals, and being a relatively dusty/sandy climate, washing a guest's feet was considered an act of service or kindness. It was later decided that this could be a metaphor for Jesus similarily washing away the sins of His followers. I don't remember anyone, Catholics or Protestants who have a specific name for the practice. |
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Quoted:
from wiki and this is pretty close with several other references Background The root of this practice appears to be found in the hospitality customs of ancient civilizations, especially where sandals were the chief footwear. A host would provide water for guests to wash their feet, provide a servant to wash the feet of the guests or even serve the guests by washing their feet. This is mentioned in several places in the Old Testament of the Bible (e.g. Genesis 18:4; 19:2; 24:32; 43:24; I Samuel 25:41; et al.), as well as other religious and historical documents. A typical Eastern host might bow, greet, and kiss his guest, then offer water to allow guest to wash their feet or have servants do it. Though the wearing of sandals might necessitate washing the feet, the water was also offered as a courtesy even when shoes were worn. I Samuel 25:41 is the first passage where an honored person offers to wash feet as a sign of humility. In John 12, Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus' feet presumably in gratitude for raising her brother Lazarus from the dead, and in preparation for his death and burial. The Bible records washing of the saint's feet being practiced by the primitive church in I Timothy 5:10 perhaps in reference to piety, submission and/or humility. What he said.. Basically they used to wash the feet of guests. |
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Washing someone's feet was a menial task generally done by the lowliest servant in the household. Jesus tells Peter that the washing of his feet symbolizes forgiveness of his sin to return him to a "clean" relationship with God. God expects nothing less from us in response to the sins of others. It also teaches us to learn humility by doing good for others. |