The humble Savior

The Gospel of John's foot-washing Christ inspires modern church rituals

By Christie Storm (Contact)

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For Jeannie McCabe the foot washing ceremony on Maundy Thursday is an important part of the journey to Easter. It’s humbling to wash the feet of a fellow parishioner the way Christ did.

Baring her own feet to be washed is never easy, but it too, is essential.

“It forces me to come to the understanding that vulnerability and humility toward others is important,” said McCabe, a parishioner at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Fort Smith. “It is the Christian example. It’s what Christ taught. By serving one another his true ministry is exemplified.”

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, but for many Christians the journey to the cross truly begins on Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday. It’s the day Jesus instituted the tradition of Communion or the Holy Eucharist, sharing his body and blood in the form of bread and wine.

For more information see today's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

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This article was published Saturday, March 15, 2008.

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