“Jesus Washing Peter’s Feet” by Ford Madox Brown
Shared by Kirsti Ringger, Ravenna Park Ward
Years ago, I wandered into this painting by Ford Madox Brown on loan from the Tate at the National Gallery in Washington, DC. I loved the pure concentration of the Savior as He washes Peter’s feet. I loved how Peter is barely containing his discomfort at having the Savior perform this task. Looking around, I could see that some of the others were just as anxious. Others are curious. One, on the left, is taking off his shoes, almost impatient for the Savior’s attention. The story in John was in my mind:
6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
I looked at that man to the left, taking off his shoes, the one who was willing immediately, and I thought, that is how I hope to be — willing for Christ to wash my feet and my hands and my head. And then I noticed the bag of coins. The one who was willing is Judas. Maybe I am a lot more like Judas than Peter, but Christ’s gift was given freely and with intention, even to Judas.
As one of my friends said:
The Last Supper was all gift. Jesus even acknowledged that one of them had hurt him deeply and was going to suffer for the betrayal. But he fed them all, anyway. He washed their feet. He gave them small, humble comforts for no better reason than that he wanted to share something lovely with them. He invited them in. He turned none away. He told none to abstain. He asked none to qualify or live worthy of his standards.
His love, humility, and generosity on this night came with no conditions and no entrance fee. He takes all comers as we are.
“Look to Your Children” by Minerva Teichert
Shared by Jenni Currit, Discovery Park Ward
Minerva Teichert interprets the ministering of the angels in 3 Nephi 17 as an actual feast brought to the children.
Female angels come down, creating a graceful line to the central angel who is washing the face of a young child. The children also perform acts of service: older children carry younger children; a child in the foreground helps lift a neglected child. These children are blessed and fed in a way that eventually leads to three generations of peaceful living.
“Abide With Me ‘Tis Eventide” by M. Lowrie Hofford and Harrison Millard
Shared by Jenni Currit, Discovery Park Ward
Spotify link at: https://open.spotify.com/track/06Agdlwzi0dLc58f1Rzr3y?si=rY3H6NV7TBC5slRUUjlATw
One by One 