ABSTRACT
This essay discusses the intersection of biblical interpretation with the liturgical practice of the rite of footwashing known as the Mandatum (commandment). This rite is celebrated within the Eucharist of Holy Thursday evening, the night on which Christians believe the Eucharist was instituted. Given the centrality of the Eucharist in Catholic teaching and practice, it is significant that the gospel reading in the Roman Lectionary is not one of the institution narratives of Matthew, Mark or Luke, but is rather from John which has no such account. According to the Gospel sequence, where one would expect to find the institution of the Eucharist, Jesus removes his outer garment, takes a towel and washes the feet of his disciples. In this choice of Gospel reading (Jn 13.1-15), the tradition of the Church would seem to be encouraging not just a retelling of the institution of the Eucharist on the sacred night of Holy Thursday but inviting entry into its meaning, as suggested by Jesus’ example of washing of the feet of his disciples.
