Washing the Disciples' Feet

No fixed feast day in the calendar

Jesus sets an example of humble service by washing the feet of His apostles.

Jesus bows down to wash the disciples’ feet

During the Last Supper, Jesus rose from the table, took off His outer garment, tied a towel around His waist, poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet. This was the task of a servant, yet Jesus humbled Himself to perform it for His friends. When He reached Peter, he refused, but Jesus told him that without this, he would have no share with Him. After finishing, Jesus taught: "If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet." He set an example for the disciples to practice self-giving love and humility, turning love into concrete action.

Prayer

Humility and servant leadership

Washing feet is a model of servant leadership. It is not merely an act of charity but a pattern for how authority is to be exercised.
The greatest must be the servant. Jesus teaches that whoever would be great in the kingdom of God must serve others.
Service is bound to the Eucharist. Both the washing of feet and the Eucharist are a gift of self offered in love.

Learn to love your brothers and sisters through small, humble acts of service every day.

Prayer

Lord, help me to have a humble heart so that I may serve my brothers and sisters as You have served me.

The text on this page is the card in the Catholic Information app, word for word.