Maundy Thursday

Embodiment 

About this piece:

The washing of the feet of the disciples by Jesus is for me a powerful invitation to be present to the presence of Love; an invitation to be transfigured and transformed for the sake of Love.

It arose from meditating on the celtic insight that my feet are a sign of my presence*; I am more alive and aware of my surroundings when I have bare feet – the grass and dew of the morning in the garden, the sand and shallow waters of the beach, the careful and quiet tiptoeing so as to not wake a sleeping child….Yet I am also aware that for many, bare feet are not a choice, but the result of poverty, destitution, disease…a sign of our vulnerability and all too often a sign of our lack of love for one another.

The piece is my response to the invitation to be present, from the depths of my own vulnerability, to the presence of Love. Held and gently washed by Love. And in the being washed, being equipped to love - for justice to flow like living water…

Christ has no body now on earth but yours,

no hands but yours, no feet but yours,

Yours are the eyes through which

Christ’s compassion cares for the people of the world.

Yours are the feet with which Christ is to go about doing good.

Yours are the hands through which

Christ now brings a blessing.

Teresa of Avila

Contemplation is out of the question for anyone who does not try to cultivate compassion for others…For Christianity is not merely a doctrine or a system of beliefs, it is Christ living in us and uniting all people to one another in His own life and unity.

Thomas Merton (adapted to allow for inclusive language)

For reflection:

o   How do you feel about your feet? Your bare feet?

o   If you are able, spend some of today barefooted, so as to explore and discover a deeper sense of being present to the presence of Love.

o   In the example set by Jesus and in his command to ‘Love one another’, presence and justice are revealed as entwined; what invitation or challenge does this pose for you? 

Peace be with you

Tessa

*This theme is explored by J. Philip Newell in his book, Echo of the Soul; the sacredness of the human body. Canterbury Press.