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“If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)
Every Holy Thursday, the Pope kneels before twelve people and performs one of the most moving—and controversial—acts of Catholic liturgy: the Mandatum, the washing of feet. A gesture that has evolved, sparked debates, and carries a message as radical today as it was two thousand years ago.
Why does he do it? What does it mean when the Church includes women, non-Christians, or even prisoners? Is it just a symbol, or a silent revolution? Let’s dive into the heart of this mystery.
1. The Biblical Origin: The Night That Changed Everything
It all begins in the Upper Room, hours before the crucifixion. Jesus, aware of His impending death, does something astonishing:
- The Master becomes a servant: In Jewish culture, washing feet was a task for slaves. The disciples must have been stunned to see their Rabbi kneel before them—including Judas, His future betrayer (John 13:1-17).
- An explicit command: “I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:15). This is not optional; it’s a Christian imperative.
Theologically, this act encapsulates Christ’s entire mission: “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve.” (Mark 10:45). It’s a sacrament in action—service as the essence of God’s Kingdom.
2. The History of the Mandatum: From Monasteries to the Vatican
The washing of feet wasn’t always a public ceremony. Its evolution is fascinating:
- 4th Century: Documented in monasteries, where abbots washed the feet of monks, imitating Christ.
- Middle Ages: Christian kings (like St. Louis IX of France) practiced it as a sign of humility. The Church formally incorporated it into Holy Thursday liturgy.
- Before Vatican II: Only Catholic men participated, symbolizing the “12 apostles.” But everything would change…
3. Francis’ Revolution: Women, Muslims, and Prisoners
Since 2013, Pope Francis has transformed this gesture into a sign of the times:
- 2013: He washes the feet of young detainees, including two women and a Muslim. Scandal for some, pure Gospel for others.
- 2014-2024: He repeats the act in prisons, refugee centers, and with the disabled… Breaking protocol to prioritize message over ritual.
Is this valid? Yes. The Code of Canon Law (canon 861) no longer restricts the rite to men. Francis emphasizes: “Service has no borders.”
4. The Deep Meaning: More Than Water and Towels
This act is an anti-protocol in a world obsessed with power:
- Radical humility: The Pope, Christ’s vicar, lowers himself to the level of the marginalized—a judgment against ecclesiastical pride.
- Divine inclusion: By washing the feet of non-Christians, the Church declares: “God serves everyone, not just the ‘pure.’”
- A call to action: This isn’t just liturgical drama. How do we wash the feet of our family, migrants, those who’ve hurt us?
5. Criticism and Controversy: Betrayal or Fidelity to the Gospel?
Some traditionalists argue:
- “It should be 12 Catholic men, like the apostles.”
- “The sacredness is being lost.”
But theology responds:
- Jesus didn’t choose the Twelve during the foot-washing—He chose needy humans (including Judas!).
- The spirit of the law (service) outweighs the letter (ritual). As Francis says: “I prefer a Church that’s bruised from serving to one that’s sick from self-absorption.”
6. How to Live the Mandatum Today: 3 Concrete Actions
- Serve without calculation: At work, home, or online. Do you talk about the poor, or touch their feet?
- Let others serve you: Humility also means accepting help. Do you allow others to “wash your feet”?
- Break barriers: Like Francis, seek out those the world excludes—a Muslim, a sinner, a political opponent… Christ is there.
Conclusion: A Gesture That Challenges the World’s Power Structures
The washing of feet isn’t folklore. It’s a subversive act in an age of selfishness and division. Every time the Pope includes a refugee or a woman, he reminds us: God is not an exclusive club.
Jesus didn’t say “understand this,” but “do this.” The question isn’t whether the ritual is perfect, but: Whose feet are you washing today?
“At the end of life, we will not be judged by our rituals, but by our love.” (St. Teresa of Calcutta).
Did this article challenge you? Share it and start your service revolution. The world needs more Christians on their knees, washing feet!
