Humility in Service

The previous post discussed empathy, putting oneself in the other person’s shoes, as an attitude and behavior conducive to “willing the good of the other”. This post continues the discussion of other traits and behaviors that are consistent with, even necessary for, loving others. It so happens that today is Maundy Thursday, which gives us a concrete and sublime example of humility in service.

Today’s Gospel reading describes how Jesus washes His disciples’ feet. A source notes that washing guests’ feet is not the responsibility of a host. It is a task for his servant or slave. For Jesus, a Rabbi to many and Master to His disciples, to wash other people’s feet was incomprehensible. Peter could not understand it and objected. He went along because Jesus said he would learn what it was all about.

Jesus willed the good of all mankind by obeying His Father, giving up His life after such horrible suffering. Greater love has no man than that, giving up His life for His friends – so why was it necessary to also wash His disciples’ feet?

Jesus explained to His disciples: “You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

It is possible to perform “acts of service”, giving dole-outs and “ayuda”. So many powerful people do this with an air of condescension, expecting praise, popularity and gratitude (“utang na loob”) in return. But this is not loving service. Loving service means looking up at the people we serve, not down at them. It means putting ourselves in a lower, more humble position, not on a pedestal or high horse (or parade float). It means making ourselves vulnerable, open, and willing to give without expecting anything in return.

Whose feet will you be washing?