My dear friends, today’s Gospel reading from John 13:1-15 presents us with a beautiful example of servant leadership that we should all strive to emulate in our lives. Jesus, knowing that his hour had come, gathered his disciples together to share a final meal with them. During the meal, he did something unexpected: he took off his outer garments, tied a towel around his waist, and began to wash the feet of his disciples.

In those days, foot washing was considered the task of the lowliest servant in the household. It was a job that was considered so menial that Jewish slaves were exempt from doing it. But here was Jesus, the Son of God, humbling himself and serving his disciples in this way. He was showing them that true leadership is not about power or position, but about service and love.

As Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, he also taught them a valuable lesson. He said, “Do you know what I have done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

Jesus was telling his disciples, and us, that if we want to be great leaders, we must be willing to serve others. We must be willing to put others before ourselves, to humble ourselves and to do the things that others may consider menial or beneath them. This is the essence of servant leadership.

As we go about our lives, let us remember the example that Jesus set for us. Let us be willing to serve others, even in the small and seemingly insignificant ways. Let us not be afraid to get our hands dirty and to do the jobs that others may consider beneath them. And let us always remember that true greatness is not found in power or position, but in service and love. Amen.

– Fr. James Anyaegbu