Foot washing
Jesus foot washes his disciples’ feet before his crucifixion.
Not unlike millions of others, I was captivated by the funeral service of our 41st president, George H.W. Bush, at the Washington National Cathedral as clips flashed across the screen during the news.
Ritualistic state funerals are remarkable and solemn events, stepped in tradition. They represent our nation, the institution of government, and they say something about who we are as Americans and how we define ourselves. But like all funerals, they also represent those who have died, their loved ones, and show us how death opens a window for us to consider and express our relationship with God.
As Rev. Dr. Russell Levenson, Jr. delivered the homily during President Bush’s funeral service, what struck me was another ritual mentioned in the last hours of President Bush’s life–the sacred act of foot washing.
From Rev. Levenson’s homily:
“... a bit later Secretary Baker was at the foot of the president’s bed, and toward the end, Jim Baker rubbed and stroked the president’s feet for perhaps half an hour. The president smiled at the comfort of his dear friend. Here I witnessed a world leader who was serving a servant who had been our world’s leader and what came to mind was Jesus.
On that last night before his own crucifixion, having said everything there was to say, he wrapped a towel around his waist and without words he washed his disciples’ feet. As Jesus finished, he said, ‘I’ve set an example for you. Do as I have done. Serve one another. By this the world will know you are my disciples, if you serve and if you love one another.’
At the end we all knelt, we all placed our hands on the president, we said our prayers together and then we were silent for full long measure. For this man who changed all of our lives, who changed our nation, who changed our world, left this life to the next. It was a beautiful end. It was a beautiful beginning...”
The juxtaposition was not lost. James Baker demonstrated a most symbolic and intimate act following the example of Jesus Christ. It was an act of love when it seemed there was nothing left to give.
Foot washing is a practice of hospitality from ancient civilizations. It is mentioned several times in the Old Testament. In that day, it was an act customarily performed by slaves or servants, whenever guests were invited to a home; the lowliest household slave or servant washed their guest’s feet as a sign of humility.
Remembering that final night of my own father’s life, as my family and I surrounded him in silence, there was a sadness and a reverence that was indescribable. What is there to offer a frail, almost extinguished human shell that has carried the heart and soul of God’s creation here on earth? How do we offer admiration and gratitude to those we’ve loved a lifetime? One way is to humbly serve, as a testament of our faith, in the manner that Jesus showed us.
Thank you, James Baker, for the tender and loving example of discipleship now shared with the world. I will forever remember the offering to your friend and our leader in his final hours. And as Jesus himself asked of us, I will follow.