The Psalm for this week is paired in our upcoming worship service with the washing of the disciples’ feet by Jesus Christ. It is interesting to have these two passages alongside one another because here we see an eagerness for God to cleanse the heart and spirit of the people, where as in the John reading we find Peter reluctant – at first – to have the Christ stoop down to wash his feet.
We often take on the role of Peter, feeling unworthy of the work that Christ is doing within and through us. Sometimes it is even unconscious to the point of thinking we don’t need anything God might offer – healing, mending, cleansing, support, love – because we are just fine the way that we are.
The truth is that in one way or another, we are all broken vessels carrying the image of God and the story of our faith. Christ comes to us, not to condemn our brokenness, but to embrace us, to work with us toward wholeness in him and through God’s love.
Let us pray
Psalm 51:10-12
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.
Healing God, as we walk through this season of reflection on what has gone by and seeking what might yet be, remind us also to look inward for your divine spark. Often we feel unworthy of your love of the Holy breath that gives our soul strength. Remind us that it is because of our brokenness that you enter into our lives, loving us to wholeness. It is your love for us that makes us worthy of your touch, your care, and your call. In the name of Christ we offer this and all our prayers. AMEN