Keep those 'spiritual wipes' handy

Like many parents and grandparents I keep a small packet of wet wipes in my purse and in the car. You never know when you  might be called upon to use them.  Do you keep some 'spiritual wipes' handy in thought? Are you ready and willing to wipe away evidence of accident or 'dirt', the claim of mortality? Are you willing to look beyond the material picture and see the man of God's creating?

This week's Bible Lesson on Sacrament includes two examples of this spiritual 'wiping away'. Today I am taking time to think about how those people prepared themselves to do that.

Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus to be his honored guest at a feast. Mary Magdalene, a notorious sinner, came uninvited to the same feast. Simon sought to honor Jesus as his personal guest. Mary sought only to honor him with her repentance and devotion.
1. She willingly and bravely came to him, knowing full well what people would think and say about her.
2. She brought with her costly oil.
3. She showed her respect for him by doing the job of a slave and washing his feet, kissing them, and drying them with her own hair.
4. Her actions were proof of her repentance and her sins were forgiven, washed clean.

Jesus and the disciples were keeping the Passover in what has been called The Last Supper. Jesus knew what was about to happen to him and he chose this act to demonstrate his love for them and as an example of the love they were to show one another.
1. He rose up from dinner. He didn't wait until the meal was finished but left the table, ready to give the this lesson.
2. He laid aside his garments. and wrapped a towel around his waist. He removed the seamless robe that identified him and kneeled before them unclothed.
3. He washed their feet, much to their astonishment.

Was there ever a more gracious man? I studied 'grace' for a year once and gained much from praying to be more gracious, more graceful, and to see how God has poured grace out on my life. Mrs. Eddy writes: "What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds (S&H 4:3-5).

Jesus has given us a commandment, to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Mrs. Eddy continues: "Outward worship is not of itself sufficient to express loyal and heartfelt gratitude, sine he has said: If ye love me, keep my commandments (S&H 4:9-11).

Let's work on keeping his commandment. Let's keep those 'spiritual wipes' handy and use them as the opportunity presents itself to show love for our neighbors, washing away the suggestions that man is a sick or a sinner. Let's seek to reveal the perfect child of God, made in His image and likeness, that cannot be covered with 'dirt'. We are not part of the Adam dream, made from the dust. We are pure and whole and undisturbed.

Let's be spiritual foot washers.