March 20, 2008

Maundy Thursday, a

Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Every time I read these lessons I recall being a volunteer many years ago at a walk-a-thon in Indianapolis. Volunteers were set up in a tent and our duties were to care for people’s feet. Most that came through the tent simply needed to take their shoes and socks off and soak their feet for a while in warm water, and as they did we usually would massaged their feet, then dried them, put some lotion on and send them on their way.

But there were some who I do not see how they were able to continue walking, and some didn’t. Because of their choice of shoes or lack thereof, their feet were raw and blistered. Some hobbled in and were literally crying because their feet hurt so badly. We did what we could, but it certainly was never enough. I’ll never forget the ones who had in between the sole and the muscle layer of their feet, an internal layer of blisters. There was nothing we could do but agree with them that their feet hurt. But we bathed their feet as carefully and gently as we could and lightly place powder or oil on them and recommended that they not finish the walk-a-thon.

For the life of me I do not know why I remember this particular morning of volunteering. I have volunteered for lots of things and have done many things in my life that for me seem to be a bit more memorable, but I can give you minute detail of that morning of some 20 years or so ago.

Is this to what Jesus refers in today’s lesson that by our actions as his disciples, everyone will experience through us, whether they realize it or not, the love of Jesus.

There are four or five of our members who each week go to Spring Valley Shelter and open up the community room and stay there during the evening so the residents can share the room with each other. This handful of members did not search out this opportunity; it came to them and they accepted. For all you know you may be sitting right next to one of them. Because of their giving of their time, and literally of their selves for one evening each week, the residents of Spring Valley can enjoy the community room, which can only be available if there is an outside volunteer in the room. These Trinity members are not washing feet, but they are through their giving of time and self to the residents of Spring Valley helping them know what it feels like to be loved by Jesus.

Similarly there is a member who sometimes stays as a volunteer at the new homeless shelter for men. The other day, they called him and asked him to be at the shelter from 2am to 7am. Practically all he does is just be there, that’s all, simply be in the room, in the building with these men. Our member saw the opportunity posted on the bulletin board, made a call, and became one of the volunteers. Again, he is not washing feet, but he is through the giving of his time and self, letting these men experience the love and care of Jesus. That is why he is there. He’s certainly not there to stare at the wall for 5 hours and listen to five to ten men snore. He is there to share with them and show them through his quiet presence the love that Jesus has for them.

Through the washing of tired, dirty feet, Jesus teaches us a lesson, a lesson not so much about loving others as he loves us but a lesson about showing others how much Jesus loves them. Jesus wanted to wash his disciple’s feet; given the chance to give it up, he declined. Jesus realized that their feet had not been bathed as was the custom, so he just grabbed a towel and basin and did it himself, and in so doing taught us all a lesson. Jesus through the washing of his disciples feet and then with his new commandment taught us, his followers that through whatever we say or do, others are to experience the love of Jesus, whether they realize that’s what’s happening or not.

As we live our lives day in and day out, we are always being watched, not by Jesus to see if we are good or bad boys and girls, but we are always being watched by others, by our children, our spouse, our loved ones, those with whom we work, those whom we pass of the street, by anyone and by everyone. We all live in a gold fish bowl. Whether we are in some out of the ordinary situation, or whether we are in the ordinary, the new commandment of Jesus is that 24/7 we are to bring the love of Jesus to others, which more often than not just means that we are to be kind to one another.

As I can reflect on my volunteer work of over 20 years ago, and realize that through me, I shared the love of Jesus with others, whether they knew it or not, can I reflect and agree that now I share the love of Jesus with others in day to day, moment to moment situations?

For this was the heart, the essence of the new commandment of Jesus. Jesus told his disciples and all of his followers’, meaning you and me, that whenever people have any contact with us, at any time of the day, morning, noon or night, 24/7, that because of us and through us, they experience the love of Jesus, especially the love that Jesus has for them.

Amen,

Pastor Scales