Feet First
Why Are We So Uncomfortable with Foot washing?
For the last decade or so, I’ve been obsessed with my feet.
Lest you think that this is some odd essay on fetishes, I’m talking about having neuropathy. For several years, I’ve dealt with nerve pain in my feet. I’ve done a number of things to relieve the pain, from TENS therapy to getting the occasional foot massage to increase circulation. I’ve even had to be more intentional in choosing footwear so that I can find shoes and socks that will lessen the pain and/or numbness I might feel. Most people can afford to ignore their feet, but because of my neuropathy, I’m always thinking about them.
But there is something in our society that gets nervous around feet and this show around this time of year. Every time we come around to Maundy Thursday, no one wants to talk about foot washing. I don’t have a problem with foot washing, but I seem to live in a culture where everyone else does. Even though this is a central aspect of Holy Week and a sign of Jesus taking on the role of a servant, a lot of people would rather not see anything that reminds them of feet. As a communicator, I’m always thinking about images and the impact they can have. Footwashing is central to this day and yet I’ve learned not to show pictures of actual foot washing.
