Guest guest Posted April 15, 2006 Report Share Posted April 15, 2006 I just had my feet washed last night at the Holy Thursday Mass. What a humbling experience, and one that made me feel just as " normal " as everyone else. I simply removed my AFOs, shoes and socks, placed them under my seat, then took my husband's arm and proceeded to take part in the ritual. Wearing AFOs shouldn't make us feel ashamed to do what other people do whenever we can. K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 15, 2006 Report Share Posted April 15, 2006 Hello Gretchen and Spy, I had a quick look at the links and wanted to comment further on the symbolism of the foot washing for me which varies from the " technical " definition in the links. This has a lot to do with the principle HNPP symptom centered on the feet and the journey through life on those same feet for both physical and metaphorical spirituality. Jesus gathered disciples from common walks of life and cleansed them with his teachings. He fully expected to have them carry on and journey through both spirit and terrestrial lives for the purpose of building a church imbued with his teachings. In the times of His life, common people traveled mostly by foot on dusty roads barefoot or in sandals. They surely experienced dirty feet that needed cleaning and Jesus recognized that as a duty of leadership. The great principal that Jesus wanted the disciples to carry into the world was that great leaders are truly servants of the people they wish to lead and so being servants need also to be humble in the sight of man and God. The foot washing at the Last Supper was a final lesson and charge to the disciples prior to His last act as the shepherd of man. We as Christians, strive to be disciples as well. The deformities in my feet due to HNPP are the " dirt " in my life that makes my walking journey difficult to progress and I need to have my feet cleansed of this difficulty both physically and spiritually. When I experienced the physical act, I also had a sense of spiritual cleansing that my leader (minister) had humbled himself to provide direction in my journey and most importantly to show me how to humble myself to my fellow man. Thus, walking with difficulty in my bare feet returning to the pew was neither embarrassing nor stressful. It was empowering to me for overcoming the pain in each step and the visual reminder of the deformity of my life that really does not have to turn me away from the goal of being God's disciple. I am not perfect either spiritually or physically, but my goal is clear and my journey continues with humility and gratefulness. Disappointment, haute pride, and wrath have no place in my life and are not engendered from the DNA inheritance that is my lot. The steps on the road ahead are not easy but bearable which is my conscious decision. This I see as the same vision that Jesus had of his final journey on earth. EdM from NH On Fri, 14 Apr 2006 20:22:00 -0000 " gfijig " <fijiwigged@...> writes: > Hi Spy, > > A couple of links to explain from the Church I am a member of. > > http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/q & a/general/feet.shtml > > http://www.catholic.org/featured/headline.php?ID=3155 > > ~ Gretchen (if you'd like to know more, contact me off list - but > after > this weekend is over) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 15, 2006 Report Share Posted April 15, 2006 Hi Ed and Gretchen, I too participated in the washing of the feet this past week. At first I said no because I believe my feet are so ugly due to hammer toes and having had toenails removed in the past. But then I thought I will probably never have this experience again so I jumped in and did it. I am so glad I did. And the smile on my face when Father Corey said these are some of the best looking feet I've ever seen. Tonight is the Easter Vigil where I'm going to be baptised and I have only one thing to overcome. I bought a pair of flat dress shoes to go with my outift. I am praying I don't limp too bad or trip or fall because I won't have my orthotics in them. I just couldn't wear a nice dress with my big, clunky sneakers! Happy Easter and God bless! Elaina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 15, 2006 Report Share Posted April 15, 2006 Hello Edwin, Thank you, so much for your post. I felt God speaking through you, and blessed by your insight! Happy Easter to you, and everyone! Kay ~ From The " Raining " Oregon Coast ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2006 Report Share Posted April 17, 2006 Elaina, Congratulations on your baptism! Such a great experience! My husband and I have sponsored friends and relatives for baptism and wish to send you God's blessings now and always. Congratulations also for participating in the foot washing ritual. We CMTer's need more examples like you. Blessings, P. South Central NYS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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