What would it feel like to have Jesus kneel before you and wash your feet? Guided by the reflections of St. Ambrose, we imagine Christ cleansing not only our feet, but "the footsteps of our souls."

John 13:3-5

Use this guide for prayer and contemplation. Read slowly, pausing as needed for silence and reflection.

Opening

Prepare yourself for an encounter with Christ.

Adjust how you are sitting. Let your body settle. Stretch if you need to.

Breathe.

Be present, knowing that Christ is with you.

Reflection on Contemplative Prayer

Spend time with these words from St. Ambrose’s work On the Holy Spirit, chapter 6:

Let us turn now to the Gospel. There I find the Lord laying aside his garments, wrapping himself with a towel, pouring water into a basin, and washing the disciples' feet.

This water was that heavenly dew. It was foretold that the Lord Jesus Christ would wash the feet of his disciples with this heavenly dew. Let the feet of our minds now be stretched out before him. The Lord Jesus desires to wash our feet as well, for he says not only to Peter but to every believer: "If I do not wash your feet, you have no part with me."

Come then, Lord Jesus. Lay aside the garments you put on for my sake. Be stripped, that you may clothe us with your mercy. Gird yourself with a towel for our sake, that you may gird us with the gift of immortality. Pour water into the basin. Wash not only our feet but also our heads; not only our bodies but also the footsteps of our souls.

How great is this act of love! As a servant, you wash the feet of your disciples; as God, you send dew from heaven. Nor do you wash their feet only, but you also invite us to sit with you. By the example of your own dignity, you urge us on, saying:

"You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for that is what I am. If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet."

Therefore, I also desire to wash the feet of my siblings. I desire to fulfill the commandment of my Lord. I will not be ashamed, nor will I disdain what he himself first did.

Scripture

John 13:3–5, Inclusive Bible

Jesus, knowing that God had put all things into his own hands, and that he had come from God and was returning to God, rose from the table, took off his clothes, and wrapped a towel around his waist.

He then poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around his waist.

Artwork for Prayerful Reflection

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet, Chen Yuandu

As you gaze at the painting, let the image become a doorway into prayer. Notice Christ at the center of service, and notice those gathered around him. Place yourself in the room. Witness this moment of holy cleansing.

Reflection Questions

What first draws your attention as you look at Chen Yuandu’s painting?

What do you notice in the faces and bodies of the disciples?

What thoughts, worries, or social conventions might be distracting them in this moment?

Where do you find yourself in the image?

What does it mean for you to witness this moment of holy cleansing?

As Christ looks toward you, what words do you sense he may be speaking?

What part of your life needs the cleansing mercy of Christ, like heavenly dew?

What act of service is Christ calling you toward today?

How has this encounter with Christ prepared you for that act of service?

Spend one more minute resting in Christ’s presence.

Closing

Come, Lord Jesus. Wash not only our feet, but the footsteps of our souls. Cleanse the path behind us and prepare the way ahead. Teach us to receive your mercy and to serve others with the same love you have shown us. Amen.