Matthew 5:5: The Inverted Kingdom – Part III
Jesus Washing the Apostles’ Feet
Friday, January 19, 2024
Jesus proposes that we forego power and wealth, pleasure and honor. Today we consider the quality of meekness that Jesus so willingly exhibits as he walks among us.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (NSRV)
This vision of the world sees gentleness as a quality of those who are close to God.
Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised! (GNT)
This picture of the world sees kindness as an essential trait of those who live by God’s design.
Those who are humble are happy. The earth will belong to them. (ICB)
Giotto: Christ Washing the Disciples’ Feet
This view of the world sees humility as crucial to the living of God’s plan.
You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought. (MSG)
This picture of the world sees physical possessions as stumbling blocks to intimacy with God.
The Gospels show us how God’s Word teaches us that meekness as authentic strength. They show us that Jesus returns anger with kindness, and responds to provocation with piercing questions. They show us that the Spirit nurtures sacrifice rather than acquisition.
How do we find strength in our meekness, and courage in our kindness? How willing are we to wash the tired feet of others?
Michal Splho: Jesus washing the Feet of his Disciples
When we compare varying versions of this verse, we better understand how humility provides us with far more peace than our possessions do.
For more reflections on meekness as enacted by Jesus, enter the word in to the blog search bar and explore.
To read a reflection about meekness as strength, click on the first image above, or visit: http://blog.newadvent.org/2013/05/meekness-is-not-weakness-meekness-is.html
Images from: http://blog.newadvent.org/2013/05/meekness-is-not-weakness-meekness-is.html and https://www.wikiart.org/en/giotto/christ-washing-the-disciples-feet and
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