Sermon - Maundy Thursday 2021

<p>Over the past year, due to this pandemic, many of us have had to face situations where we have been forced to move beyond our comfort zones.  Moving to online worship is an example of how we have been forced to go to a place that was initially beyond our comfort zone.  It took us a while to adjust to this new reality. Wearing masks, maintaining physical distance from others, and following public health guidelines have also forced people to move way beyond their comfort zones.  I find it is fascinating to watch people’s actions and behavior when forced to move beyond their comfort zones.  Quite honestly, when people are <strong>forced</strong> to do this because of circumstances, they often <strong>react</strong> adversely. We have seen this in extreme examples over the past year.  When we step outside of our comfort zone, it always tends to produce added stress and anxiety.  And, when this happens, people <strong>react</strong> – often unpleasantly.  So, the gospel reading on this night is captivating because we see the disciples having to move <strong>way</strong> beyond their comfort zones.</p> <p>In biblical times, the washing of feet was a non-religious, ordinary part of everyday life. It was as ordinary as brushing your teeth or washing your hands before a meal. It was a secular practice that routinely took place after entering a dwelling, especially if you would be sitting down and preparing to eat a meal.  After all, peoples’ feet would get very dirty from all of that walking in those sandals on dusty roads. Furthermore, this foot washing was <strong>always</strong> done by the lowliest of servants.  So, when Jesus gets up from the table and begins washing the disciples’ feet, his action is truly shocking. In fact, it is disgraceful and scandalous, and it moves the disciples to a place of real unease.  It moves them <strong>beyond</strong> <strong>their</strong> comfort zones.</p> <p>Reactive Peter, always the outspoken one, always a work in progress, knows that <strong>servants</strong> wash the feet o