Discover how Jesus's act of washing feet on Holy Thursday serves as a reminder for parents to allow Him to minister to their own needs and embrace His love.
Today's Gospel: John 13:1-15
Jesus wants to wash your feet too, Momma and Dad.
So often in my life, I am the person washing feet, figuratively and literally. I am the one serving, providing, caretaking. The one who models for my children how to treat others by the way that I love them.
Most of us parents don’t need reminders to serve, but what we do need to be reminded of is that the Lord wants to wash our feet too. He wants to serve us, to love us, to touch us, even the dirty, messy parts of our lives.
Sometimes I respond like Peter did. I push Jesus away, telling Him that I’ve got it covered, I can handle it myself. You’ll never wash my feet, Lord.
I tell myself that it’s okay to push Him off because I already know how to serve. I know how to sacrifice. But, in doing so, I miss the other point that Jesus is making: I have to let Him minister to me.
Yes, part of the message to Peter and the apostles is that Jesus has to show them how to minister, and, yes, of course I still need help learning how to love as He loves.
But what I struggle more with, and this is true of most moms I know, is that Jesus wants to minister to me not just so that I can serve others, but because He loves me. He wants to serve me because of who I am--a daughter of God and not just because of the titles and roles I fill here on earth.
I pray that you will allow the Lord to minister to your needs, that you would allow Him to wash your feet, and as He kneels at them, you would have the courage to look into His eyes and see the depths of His love for you.
Ponder:
Is there a way that you are shying away from letting the Lord minister to you as an individual for your own sake?
Pray:
Dear Lord, as we enter into this holiest of Triduums, grant us the grace we need to allow You to minister to our needs. Help us to see the love in Your eyes as You wash our feet.
Pray Together:
Consider washing the feet of your spouse and allowing them to wash yours.
Copyright 2026 Colleen Pressprich
Colleen Pressprich is the author of nine books for Catholic children, parents, and families, including Marian Consecration for Families with Young Children, Real Moms of Real Saints, and the OSV Kids Discover Series. You can find more of her work at elevatortoheaven.com.
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