The word ‘baptism’ means washing with water. It has come to
mean a very special washing, with the use of God’s name
connected with the name of the person being baptised. Paul
writes that being baptised means to be buried with Jesus in his
death and lifted up to new life through Jesus’ resurrection.
Baptism is an amazing wash of love, pure love from God.
I love the Gospel reading today of a woman responding to
Jesus’ amazing love by washing Jesus’ feet with tears. Jesus
was moved by her loving hospitality. I’m interested that Jesus
calls his disciples into washing. He washed their feet, and
called them into washing one another’s feet. When we serve
other people, especially those who are most in need of it, we
are also washing Jesus with love. Jesus said; “Whatever you do
for the very least of these my brothers and sisters, you do to
me.”
What a blessing to be so caught up in love.