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In today’s passage from the Gospel of John, Jesus tells his disciples, in clear and simple words, that unless he washes their feet, they can have no “share” with him. What are we to make of this?
In a local inshore fishery, a crew is made up of four people. And every boat is understood to involve five “shares”—one for each crew member and one for the boat itself. When the profits are tallied at the end of the fishing season, they are split five ways. Each crew member and the boat itself share equally.
In this context, “to have a share” expresses a way of being part of a community in which the success of one contributes to the success of all. And, the struggle or trial of one is shared by all. It speaks of interdependence and inter-reliance. I think it is a wonderful expression of what it means to be part of Jesus’ “crew.” You and I have signed on to Jesus’ “crew.” We have committed ourselves to foot washing, to love expressed in practical, compassionate action. On this night each year, we pause, remember, and recommit.