The Washing of the Feet

Part of the ritual of Today's Liturgy of the Last Supper is the washing of the feet. Most churches now perform this annual rite rather than just read about it. The Pope himself  kneels and washes as did Jesus.  It is humbling to expose one's feet and have them washed and dried.  Most of us make sure that our feet are clean, toenails cut, and presentable to the presider who washes them. But when Jesus did it, the feet of the apostles were dirty from the dust that their sandals allowed to cover them.  Not only was it a symbolic act, but a real washing.  Jesus was not afraid to get his hands dirty.  This takes our symbolic act to a deeper level. How willing are we to get our hands dirty in the service that Jesus mandated? How much of our "substance", our dignity, our shyness are we willing to put out there for the sake of others?  "As I have given you an example, that as I have done for you, so you also should do."  (cf. Jn 13:15).
Bro. Rene