DR. MINTZER'S FOOT CLINIC at Providence Hospital in Washington, DC, is usually a very busy place early in the morning. Many people from northeast Washington go there to have their various foot maladies cared for. I have been there often for different foot problems and sat in the crowded waiting room with his other patients. Before being seen by the doctor, patients have their feet placed in a refreshing footbath. I know that the primary reason for the washing of our feet is to sanitize them before receiving medical help, but I have always felt that it is a gracious sign of respect for each patient. The swirling warm water and the gentle drying by the assistant always relaxed me and took my mind off the pains in my feet. Such a simple ritual as a footbath in the doctor's office can put the patients in a better frame of mind before receiving medical care. Podiatrists and their assistants are not the only ones who have washed our feet. When we were children or, later on, when we were ill, others have graciously washed us, feet included. In the New Testament we have references to the washing of feet, such as in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 7:37-50, where Simon, a Pharisee, failed to wash the feet of Jesus when Jesus arrived at his house for dinner. Simon's neglect of this common courtesy was remedied by the woman who “stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.” The gracious care of this woman was not lost on Jesus, who said, “So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” He said to her, “`Your sins are forgiven.'”

Jesus Washes Peter's Feet by Ford Maddox Brown Almost in imitation of the woman who washed his feet, Jesus washes Peter's feet at the Last Supper, the night before his crucifixion, and tells Peter and his apostles to follow his example. Jesus wants all who follow him to imitate him, not just literally but with their hearts and minds, being the humble servant of all, willing to “wash the feet” of others in imitation of his unselfish love: While they are reeling from this embarrassing event, Jesus spells out the implications for their own lives of what he has done: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (Jn 13:14- 15). What does Jesus have in mind? Jesus does not say to do “what” he did but “as” he did. The cleansing and the further footwashing are symbolic of the revelation that Jesus gave-in both word and deed-of the selfless love of God. The community Jesus has brought into being is to manifest the love of God that he has revealed through serving one another. There will be recognized positions of leadership within the new community, but the exercise of leadership is to follow this model of servanthood. (Ref. IVP New Testament Commentaries) —Edward O’Donnell, OCD