Penance: What do you imagine?

[radiaz]

I just recently received a very unique penance after reconciliation, I thought it would be interesting to share.

After my confession the parish priest gave me a great sermon regarding our innate desire to give ourselves as a gift in everything we do, but primarily to God. Then he mentioned that we are such imaginative creatures that our thoughts can potentially lead to impurity. Then he said, as my penance, I should use that imagination for the good.

My penance was: Imagine our Lord washing your feet, what do you feel, what do you say, how do you react?

The penance took me back a bit, it was a bit odd from the usual “one Our Father and five Hail Marys”. But as I left the confessional, it really struck me. As I started to imagine, I immediately felt choked up. My first thoughts were “Why is he washing my feet, he shouldn’t do it, I’m not worthy of that. This is the word made flesh, the light of the world, God incarnate. He shouldn’t have to be washing my feet, I don’t deserve it.”. As I kept walking and imagining, I just wanted to ball my eyes out. I would feel so ashamed, that despite after all I have done, He would still kneel and wash my feet. Then I thought of how I feel if I would wash my child’s feet…I think I would do it regardless of whatever he had done because I love him, I truly do love my son. It finally dawned on me that despite anything I do, our Lord loves me unconditionally.

So, I challenge everyone: Imagine the Lord washing your feet. What do you feel? What do you say? What is your reaction?

 

[CelticWarlord]

What do you feel? What do you say? What is your reaction?

I imagine mine would be similar to Peter’s, since I don’t like to be touched by others. I’m sure he would respect my wishes, his response to Peter notwithstanding.

 

[Vico]

…
So, I challenge everyone: Imagine the Lord washing your feet. What do you feel? What do you say? What is your reaction?
…

That I should be humble as Jesus was and is.

John 13

14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

 

[Willing_Spirit]

Sounds like the Holy Spirit made sure you got a very healing Penance. I love the sentiment. For some reason I can’t help but cringe at the thought of having someone else scrubbing my feet, even Jesus. Of course I would let Him if He deemed it best for me, but I only imagine feeling awkward.

Edit: One time in high school, someone accidentally stepped on my foot. I don’t know if they buy themselves really expensive shoes or just really love their own shoes, but for whatever reason they apologized and knelt down and cleaned off my shoe. I thought it was silly, but also had a sense that he was “doing unto others”, and it was touching. I suppose that is how I should feel when imagining Jesus washing my feet.