And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’…..
After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them. ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord – and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.
(from New Revised Standard Version)
Today is Maundy Thursday, the day Jesus ate a Passover Supper with his friends in the upper room in Jerusalem before his death on a cross the following day. It is also traditionally the day that all bishops, priests and deacons in the Church renew their vows.
I made my vows three times. Initially, in 1984 as a Deaconess, then in 1987 as a Deacon, and then lastly as a Priest in 1994. Each of these times the commitment was total – for me it was for life. Perhaps, though, the first service was the most overwhelming. In the Bishop’s “charge” I remember him saying that we were to be servants. He gave one example - when a jumble sale was held in the parish we were to be the last ones out of the hall after putting away all the tables! I remember thinking “Not with my back!” This irreverent thought was momentary – I had committed myself and in a way my family. Our children were 5 years and 18 months and without my husband Adrian’s support the servant life would not have been possible.
Today then, as well as remembering our Lord’s institution of the Communion Service we also remember all Bishops, Priests and Deacons who seek to serve their people at this difficult time, and especially we give thanks for their families.
Father God,
you call deacons, priests and bishops to minister to your people,
and we pray for those who find this time especially hard –
unable to visit parishioners
or conduct worship in church this Easter.
Keep them strong and faithful,
and protect them from the corona virus
so that they may continue to pray for their parishioners
and serve those whom you have given into their charge.
Amen.