Reflection: Frequent and regular handwashing for at least 20 seconds is one of the most important prevention measures for COVID-19. The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible, as handwashing reduces the amount of all types of germs on hands. Key times for handwashing include after contact with a sick person; after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose; after touching potentially infected surfaces, such as laptops or doorknobs; before eating; and after using bathroom facilities.
Jesus used water to model the kind of love we must have for one another–a love that serves the least of our brothers and sisters. He showed this by washing his disciples’ feet. During this time of social distancing and quarantine we may not be able to serve each other face to face, but we can take precautions against spreading illnesses. The simple act of handwashing and wearing face masks are symbols of our commitment to love our neighbors. Consider how else we can serve each other this week.
The Transcript
Pastor Brice Thomas:
I'd like you to hear our sacred story from the Gospel John chapter 13(1-17). I invite you to listen and experience this night of Jesus' betrayal:
13 Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. 2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.
6 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”
8 “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!”
Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”
9 Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!”
10 Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.
Friends this is our sacred story. This is the word of God for God's people. Thanks be to God.