John 13:4-9

So Jesus got up from the table and took off his robes. Picking up a linen towel, he tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he was wearing.

When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus replied, “You don’t understand what I’m doing now, but you will understand later.”

“No!” Peter said. “You will never wash my feet!”

Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t have a place with me.”

Simon Peter said, “Lord, not only my feet but also my hands and my head!”

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Pastoral Prayer

Creator,

as I prepare to go into the world,

help me to see the sacrament

in the wearing of this cloth—

let it be "an outward sign

of an inward grace"—

a tangible and visible way of living

love for my neighbors,

as I love myself.

Christ,

since my lips will be covered,

uncover my heart,

that people would see my smile

in the crinkles around my eyes.

Since my voice may be muffled,

help me to speak clearly,

not only with my words,

but with my actions.

Holy Spirit,

As the elastic touches my ears,

remind me to listen carefully—

and full of care—

to all those I meet.

May this simple piece of cloth be

shield and banner,

and each breath that it holds,

be filled with your love.

In your Name and

in that love,

we pray.

Amen.