March 24, 2005
The Washing of Feet
At the Last Supper on the night before he died, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. This is told only in John’s Gospel. John does not tell us about what Jesus did with the bread and wine. He wanted to place the washing of feet front and center.
When Jesus finishes, he says, “As I have done for you, you should also do.” These words are very similar and just as strong – as the words of Jesus in Luke after the bread: “Do this in memory of me.”
Because in John’s Gospel Jesus commanded us to do this, it is called the “mandatum” (Latin for “mandate”). This is why one often hears this day referred to as “Maundy Thursday.”
The washing of the feet is meant to express a simple act of kindness and service, and it has been part of the liturgy of Holy Thursday for over 1.500 years.
For many years, it was customary to confess one’s sins at the beginning of Lent. Those in the Order of Penitents (preparing to return to the Catholic Church) received absolution on Holy Thursday morning. They were then able to enter fully into the Triduum which began that evening.
Ah, I believe it's connected with the institution of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, which (along with the institution of the Eucharist) are the two things we principally commemorate on Maundy Thursday.