By David Coe
Master Facilitator
One good thing about this pandemic: It has given us time to stop, think, reflect and pray.
While praying a thought occurred to me, one that was challenging at the same time. I asked myself: What makes you happy?
After reflection, I came to this conclusion: It is serving others in the way, the manner, in which our Lord asks me to.
Admittedly, I did not come to that conclusion on my own. I experienced it by reading The Catholic Vision for Leading like Jesus, S-3 Leadership, Servant, Steward, Shepherd by Dr. Owen Phelps, and participating in the related 1-day Encounter experience. In his book and encounters, Owen points out a Christ-centered principle -- highlighting Jesus’ perfect will for all of us, asking us to consider what’s important to Jesus.
If Jesus’ perspective is not important, he would have never done it or taught it.
But he did – and he died with the firm hope that we would make it our own.
In the Gospel of John at the Last Supper, Jesus does something humble, then says something remarkable. He washes the feet of the disciples, asking them (and us) this question:
Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord and rightly; so, I am. If I then the Lord and Master have washed your feet, you should wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you. I tell you most solemnly, no servant is greater than his master, no messenger is greater than the man who sent him. Now that you know this happiness will be yours if you behave accordingly.” (Emphasis mine) Jn. 13:13- 17 (The Jerusalem Bile)
The Secret to Happiness is out!
There are several ways to “wash feet” serving others. It may be as simple as letting the person at the 4-way stop sign or in line at the grocery store go ahead of you. Or being available when your neighbor needs an errand...
Whatever it is, not only will it make you happy, but it will also make the recipient happy – and most important, it will make Jesus very happy!
Imitating Jesus -- being Christ-like to family, friends, neighbors and strangers -- makes the difference.
And it’s a difference that could bring someone home to Jesus and the Church.
How will you, wash the feet of others?
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Need prayer? Have a comment? Contact Dave at ambassadordhc@gmail.com