Dark Days

Rev Judith Cooke

On Maundy Thursday, Christians commemorate the Last Supper that Christ shared with his disciples in the upper room. At NGCC, we honor it with worship that celebrates communion, as well as a service of Tennebrae when we read the story of the last days of Jesus’ life while extinguishing candles as the story grows darker. (This powerful service is at 7:00 this evening. I hope you will attend.) One of the elements of Maundy Thursday that is often ignored is the washing of the feet, which we follow Christ’s example of washing the feet of his disciples.

When I was in seminary, I worked as a chaplain intern at the Trenton State Psychiatric Hospital. On Maundy Thursday, we were encouraged to participate in worship which involved washing the feet of the patients. Many of the patients behaved in unpredictable ways, plus many were hygienically challenged. Washing their feet was both risky and unpleasant. I opted out. The other chaplain interns reported how it was a profoundly meaningful service. Did I regret not attending? No. Would I participate if given another chance? Also no. But fortunately, there were others God called to that work.

I do believe, though, that being a person of faith involves participating in some dirty work. Personally, I’ve done more gross things than I ever thought a pastor would do, from scrubbing black mold off walls to helping clear out a hoarder’s house to playing “find that smell” in a church basement. As awful as some of these jobs were, I am glad I did them.

• What are some dirty jobs you are glad you did?
• How have they been a blessing to others?
• What tasks are you not called to do?
• When has someone helped you with an unpleasant but much needed work?

Maundy Thursday is a day to remember that being a person of faith sometimes involves dark days and dirty jobs. And while they may be difficult at the time, God blesses our efforts to bring blessings to us and to others.