NOW THAT I, YOUR LORD AND TEACHER, HAVE WASHED YOUR FEET, YOU ALSO SHOULD WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET. I HAVE SET YOU AN EXAMPLE THAT YOU SHOULD DO AS I HAVE DONE FOR YOU.”

– JOHN 13:14-15

The day before his crucifixion, Jesus showed us an example of servant leadership. During the Last Supper, he gathered with his friends and washed their feet. Remarkably, he even washed the feet of the man who would ultimately abandon and betray him. It is a powerful example of humility in light of heartbreaking circumstances.

Servant leadership is not easily found in the modern world. It is easier to recognise the self- interested motivations and actions of many of our political and social leaders, rather than to see examples of altruistic or selfless acts of service to the community. At the same time, we may be able to recall the powerful examples of people around us who demonstrate leadership that truly serves others. The neighbour in a kayak helping stranded families in their street during a time of flooding. Young men and women helping their grandparents with their shopping. The teachers volunteering their time after school to tutor students who are falling behind in class. The co-worker who quietly helps the new starter. All are answering the invitation to wash the feet of others in the places and circumstances of the world in which they live.

This same invitation is for us today in our service with the St Vincent de Paul Society. We remain guided by the words of Frederic Ozanam, “Yours must be a work of love, of kindness, you must give your time, your talents, yourselves.” Yet as Vincentians, this invitation to a work of love is more than walking with people who are experiencing the effects of poverty. It is an act of deep humility and vulnerability to serve others, seeing the totality of the people and respecting their inherent dignity.

An empathetic engagement with others is a crucial aspect of servant leadership. As Vincentians, acting with empathy means that we can provide more meaningful and effective support to those in need. Empathy helps us to cultivate a deeper sense of compassion and solidarity with those in need. By recognizing and valuing the dignity and worth of every person, we are able to create a sense of community and belonging, as well as work together to address the root causes of poverty and social injustice.

We do what we can. The invitation in the Christian tradition is to go beyond, by providing a hand up to those in need in our local areas. Our invitation is to a ministry of service in imitation of the greatest servant leader, Jesus. Not only are we called to take up the towel, just like Jesus, and wash the feet of those who are in greatest need in our local community. We are also called to empower others to do the same. In this spirit of service, we are called to go the extra mile and wash the feet of those who disturb us, frustrate us, and even disregard us, conscious that our benchmark is the example of Jesus.

Questions for reflection

• What do you find easy or difficult to do in the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society?
• When have you struggled to be the best version of yourself during your service to others?

From: Firewood for the soul, vol. 2, A Reflexion Book for the Whole Vincentian Family
St. Vincent de Paul Society, Queensland, Australia.
Text by: Samantha Hill and James Hodge.