Judas' Feet

"Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet" John 13:5

Jesus washed Judas's feet. He washed the feet of the man who would betray him with a kiss. Who would betray him for thirty pieces of silver. He took his feet, washed them, dried them and loved them.

What must have been going through Jesus head as he washed Judas' feet?

"Judas, I love you. I always have. Why do you not love me? Why hand me over for thirty pieces of silver? I know your feet. I have known them before your were born. I knew them while you were a boy. I know where they have been. I know where they have walked. I know that they walked to the chief priest. They walked to the priests and you walked back with thirty pieces of silver. Is that all I'm worth to you, Judas? Am I not worth more to you than thirty pieces of silver? You are worth more to me. You are worth my life to me. These feet will walk away and then they will walk back to me. You will kiss me, and then you will walk away forever. DON'T DO IT JUDAS! Do you not see my love for you?"

But you will do it, and then your feet will hang. Lifeless. DON'T DO IT! I love you. My Mercy is greater than your shame. My Mercy is greater than your sorrow. I love you! DON'T DO IT!

How many times am I unwilling to wash the feet of those I don't like, of those who annoy me, of those who have hurt me, of those I still need to forgive? How many times am I unwilling to wash the feet of those who are different, of those who I disagree with? How many times am I unwilling to take their feet, wash them and dry them? Yet, you washed the feet of him who would sell you. Of him who would sell you, betray you and hand you over. You took his feet and you loved him. Jesus, you are so good. You are perfect love.

Jesus, help us. Help us love those who have hurt us. Help us love those who annoy and frustrate us. The people you ask us to love have done so little to upset us that it embarrasses me to admit how hard it is to love certain people in my life when you loved those who handed you over, struck you and crucified you.

Jesus, I also pray for those who have lost hope. Unlike Judas, may they run to your arms. Unlike Judas, may they remember that their feet have been washed by Love. Holy Spirit, be with all who contemplate suicide. Be with all who are depressed and alone in their sorrow. Holy Spirit give them the courage to speak up and give them people who care and love them.

Jesus, be with us!