The path of blessing

The scene was set in the gripping suspense of the last night Jesus Christ would spend on earth. It was time for a profound display and lesson in leading by example. That moment, is not only a milestone event in Christianity but also the encapsulation of all that Christ taught. This is what happened on that final Passover night:
After washing their feet he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, ‘Do you understand what I was doing?’ You call me, ‘Master’ and ‘Lord’ and you do well to say it, for it is true. And since I, the Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow: do as I have done to you. How true it is that a servant is not greater than his master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends him. You know these things - now do them! That is the path of Blessing.
John 13:12-17

Let us digest these words and try to give them form and substance for this troubling era we are embroiled in. Jesus went from disciple to disciple, 13 in all, washing their feet in a supreme act of humble greatness. He then asked them a question which on the surface, seems to be a noticeable error in tense. According to standard lexicon (Aramaic as well as Greek and English) once an act has ended, the comprehension of it is asked in the past tense. However, Jesus asked the disciples, ‘Do you understand what I was doing? And not, did you understand what I have done?
This was however, no grammatical error but a question form that has made, ‘Do you understand what I was doing?’ as pertinent today as it was on that Passover night 2000 years ago.
To fully comprehend what Jesus meant by washing the sandal shorn, desert-dirt encrusted feet of his disciples, is to be cognizant that today’s Ethiopia has fallen far short of that lofty benchmark. Today, let alone humble ourselves to the level of this symbolic act, how many of us treat the less advantaged with humane respect? At this point it is only just that appreciation is given to those generous and humble souls who have made it a habit to brighten the lives of others, especially at such a solemn observance. And though they may not be too many, we trust that their act will inspire others to follow.
Jesus affirmed that humility exists comfortably within existing social classes and distinctions thereof. It was due to his greatness that Jesus stooped so low to wash the feet of his disciples, not despite his great stature.
Those of us whom God has blessed with opportunity, health, blissful singlehood or happy marriages and cheerful children, and other invaluable gifts - let us take stock and strive to reach the pinnacle of fulfillment now and in the ever after, by practicing what we already know for Jesus said, You know these things-now do them. That is the path of blessing.

Once we fathom the precious significance of having the inner moral fiber to be humble even though we may be of high stature, then, sharing our blessings with the have-nots will be a natural extension of character.

On this Ethiopian Easter, especially, under the dark canopy of high inflation and ever climbing food prices, fewer will be able to celebrate in the style they have accustomed their families. With a chicken costing as much as sheep used to cost a few years ago, many will have to do with much less this Easter. All the more reason therefore, for us to share and do so with humility.

May you and your loved ones have a peaceful, joyous and inclusive Easter that will display abundant humility to the disadvantaged.