Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him.
– John 13: 3-5
Maurice Anderson is a young man who lives in Chicago. Like so many in the great city of Chicago, Maurice rides the subway to work and on the weekends, he travels to his hometown. The subway in Chicago, also known as the “L,” transports people from all walks of life. When Maurice boarded the train late one Friday, it was no surprise that he found himself sitting across from a homeless man.
Not long into the trip, Maurice noticed that the homeless man had taken off his tennis shoes. His feet were swollen and bleeding, obviously damaged from the cold winter. Maurice held out a few moments and finally asked the man sitting across from him, “What size do you wear?” The homeless man answered, “Size 12.” Maurice was a 12 ½. He reached down, untied his shoes, and handed them over.
Several people on the “L” noticed this wonderful exchange. Jessica Bell was on the train and took a picture. “I have never seen someone give the clothes off their back so unselfishly and so humbly,” she said.
During the season of Lent, we often spend time and effort to strengthen our faith, to draw close to God, and focus on the cross and the empty tomb. People often turn to practices of prayer, fasting, and meditation to grow in their faith and be reminded of the crucifixion and resurrection. John’s Gospel reminds us that in the midst of busy and difficult times, we should also be on the lookout for opportunities to serve. As we grow in our faith, let us pray that our deeper faith opens us up to greater opportunities to serve.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
