Mandatum Novum

Mandatum Novum

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. – John 13:34

Some years ago, there was a series of flapdoodles about statues of the 10 Commandments that featured many reddened faces screaming at each other.

Today there is much media about a “War on Religion” which shares the same features.

Somehow all the well-meaning people on both sides of issues seem to have forgotten the New Commandment. Perhaps the prescription for remedying all the vitriol would be to have the participants wash each other’s feet before they spoke.

Washing someone’s feet is an intensely intimate act. It acknowledges the pain and grime that each of us encounters during each day. It brings us to our knees to remind us to be humble. It forces us see the human-ness of each person. It reminds us that the best leaders are the ones who serve.

What would happen to diplomatic negotiations, bargaining sessions, legislative hearings, political talk shows and presidential debates if, before anyone opened their mouth, they had to wash the feet of a colleague with whom they disagreed? 

After all, Jesus washed the feet of the one who betrayed him.

How hard could it be to wash the feet with someone who just sees things differently? Yeah. Pretty hard. But that’s what we have been commanded to do. The New Commandment may be the hardest one to follow because we need to check our ego. We need to let go of the luxuries of anger, self-righteousness, I-Know-Better-Than-You and all the rest.

 What we gain by this letting go, this kenosis – when we help others, when we “wash their feet” figuratively and literally, our own souls are cleansed as well.

When we gird ourselves for our daily battles, we should be sure to carry our towel and basin.

“And by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

Origen’s Prayer by Matt Wright

Here as a slave, you sit at my feet and you pour

Make me holy

This is the way to fellowship, sweet, that endures

This and this only

To ask such a thing is more than too bold

But I need you too much to refuse

Wash my feet, Lord, wash away

It’s clear with each footstep that what I need is less of me

Wash away

Wash my feet, Lord, wash away

The stains from my footsteps, ‘til all they see is you in me

Wash Away

Wash Away