April 14 – Maundy Thursday – Take off your shoes
In a room full to the brim with emotion, Jesus offers a tender, loving, and humble goodbye, stooping low to wash and caress his disciples’ feet. Like the water splashing within the washbasin, his actions ripple out: “Go and do likewise. Just as I have loved you, love one another.” This scene offers us a poignant and powerful image of discipleship. Our sub-theme is primarily inspired by Peter’s experience and the way he initially resists Jesus’ offer. How many of us resist vulnerability? How often do we resist receiving love, support, and nurturing from others? Jesus’ command to go and do likewise is only possible for us if we, too, learn how to receive. We can’t fully give without receiving also; love is designed to be shared. As was the case for Peter, receiving selfless, poured-out love fundamentally changes us. It’s a profound act that shows us who we are. It’s a practice of surrender and letting go. It reminds us of how God loves us. And so, this Maundy Thursday, take off your shoes. Remove the walls and protective layers you have built up. Allow yourself to be loved fully by God. Allow yourself to be filled to the brim so you can go out and fill others too.

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Full to the Brim
Full to the brim reminds us to live fully—as we pursue justice and hope, or express grief and gratitude. And so, this Lent, let us trust—fully—that we belong to God. Let us increase our capacity to receive and give grace. Let us increase our capacity to receive and give grace. Let us discover the expansive life God dreams for us.