Holy Thursday (or Maundy Thursday, in some traditions) is this week. On Holy Thursday, we remember the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist.
One other tradition that is seen throughout many Christian religious traditions on Holy Thursday is foot washing. When I was a Protestant, Maundy Thursday was a night for a Christian Seder and then a foot washing at my church. As a Catholic, the parish I belong to has a carry in meal and then Mass. One of my favorite parts of that Mass is seeing the foot washing.
This is probably because in April of 2007, I was among the 12 that had their feet washed. At my parish, the 12 who have their feet washed are 12 people from within the RCIA program (those converting at Easter) that have volunteered. Their feet are washed by the priests of the parish. To me, that is moving.
So, last year, I was wished there was some way to experience it again. And, then it hit me!
A family foot washing!
In the evening, we talked about the significance of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. We also talked about the importance of not only serving others, but of also allowing others to serve us sometimes. (I know, this sounds so counter intuitive. But, we talked about how sometimes, when someone feels called to serve, if we won't allow them to, then it takes away that experience for them.)
Then, we did our foot washing.
If you decide to try this with your family, I suggest figuring out the logistics ahead of time, in order to keep the foot washing time as a quiet and prayerful time. What we did was to have each of the children wash one foot of each of their siblings. For example, one of Noah's feet was washed by Molly and one by Jack, and so on. Then, the kids washed one of their Dad's feet and I washed the other. And, they did the same thing for me.
It was all really thoughtful and beautiful.
And, really, we're kind of a silly family. But, everyone was serious as we did it because I think even our littlest one understood the meaning in it.
I definitely am planning to have us do it again this year, and I'm hoping that, just maybe, this could become a beautiful family tradition.
And, maybe your family will want to do it this year too.
Does your family have any special traditions for Holy Week?
This post was submitted for Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family.
photo by jimforest
8 comments:
Oh, what a beautiful idea :) I've been trying to think of ways to make this week more special, and this is really a great idea. Thanks, and many blessings to you and yours.
Four times a year our church does a special foot washing service before communion. I love it. My husband and I was each other's feet and pray for one another. Then we pray for Jesus to cleanse our hearts before we partake in the communion. I linked your post to my WFMW post. Stop by anytime!
Blessings!
I was once told by a very wise woman that foot washing is very respectful thing to do for each other. SO while praying remembering biblical meanings it is also very respectful of each other
I agree, what a beautiful idea.
A Blessed Holy Week to you and yours, my friend.
That does sound beautiful I'm not sure if there is an equivalent in our Lutheran church, maybe at home. What a beautiful way to teach your children the truths of your faith. Our family enjoys the solemness of the tenebre (sp?)service on Good Friday and enjoy the peacefulness of the candle light service at Christmas. It is so important to teach our children the value of a deep relationship with their Savior. Thanks for sharing. Have a prayerful Holy Week and a Blessed Easter.
This was on our family Lenten calendar and the kids were laughing and saying "ew!" But I think it's a great idea and I'm glad you've been able to do it in a way that makes sense.
My church does a foot-washing service every 13 weeks. What a wonderful way to make Holy Week that much more special for your family. I can't wait to hear how it went.
This is quite lovely - I've been trying to find some meaningful Easter traditions to begin with my family.
I'm so glad you visited me so I could visit you! :D
blessings*
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