Jesus Washed Feet and Pilot Washed Hands

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Holy Week : Good Friday*

*Gospel : John (18: 1-19: 42)*

*First Reading : Is 52:13-53:12*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25*

*Second Reading :Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9*

*Jesus Washed Feet and  Pilot Washed Hands*

*1) Washing Hands: Pilate’s Evasion of Responsibility* (Matthew 27:24)

*A) Symbol of avoidance:*

Pilate’s act of washing his hands was a symbolic attempt to free himself from guilt. It was an external gesture meant to absolve internal moral responsibility.

*B) Failure of justice:*

Although he knew Jesus was innocent, he caved to political pressure. This shows the danger of moral compromise and shifting blame.

*C) Empty ritual*

Pilate’s cleansing had no power—he was still complicit. It’s a stark reminder that outward rituals cannot substitute for true justice and moral courage.

*2) Washing Feet: Jesus’ Embrace of Service* (John 13:4–5, 14–15)

*A) Symbol of humility:*

Jesus, the Master, takes the posture of a servant. Foot-washing was considered a lowly task, but Jesus redefines greatness through service.

*B) True cleansing*

Jesus didn’t just wash dirt off their feet—He symbolically cleansed them spiritually. He said to Peter, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” (John 13:8)

*C) A call to follow*

Jesus tells them, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” This is an invitation to sacrificial love and service.

*3) Contrast and Reflection*

Pilate washed to escape; Jesus washed to embrace.

Pilate’s washing led to death; Jesus’ washing pointed to life.

One avoided responsibility; the other bore the weight of the world’s sin.

*4) Personal Application*

Do we wash our hands like Pilate—avoiding the difficult demands of justice, truth, or compassion?

Or do we wash feet like Jesus—choosing to humble ourselves, serve others, and enter into the mess of people’s lives with love?

This contrast invites every believer to choose the way of the towel over the basin of indifference.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*