The Scandal of Service - Jesus Washes Our Feet by Jean Vanier

Book Review

The Scandal of Service: Jesus Washes Our Feet is a meditation on what Jesus did at the Last Supper when he laid his outer clothing aside and washed and dried his disciples' feet, a task ordinarily performed by the lowly household slave. The author pursues the connection of this gesture of humility and service to Jesus' actions at the supper with the bread and wine, to the beatitudes and the rule of God (and the OFS Rule) in Jesus' ministry, and to the actions of Judas and Peter at the end of Jesus' life. In calling us to follow Jesus' example, the author invites us to break down the barriers which separate human beings and to put ourselves at the service of the weakest among us. This book speaks to all who want the teaching of Jesus to the sewn into the fabric of their daily lives. Novalis

​This book speaks to us as Secular Franciscans who are called to "service of the human community" - Rule 16.
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One of our Regional Priorities for 2017-2020 is Servant Leadership.  In his book, Jean Vanier speaks about "the word 'authority' coming from the Latin augere (to grow). All authority ... is intended to help people grow towards greater freedom, justice and truth. Often, however, it is used for the honour, power, privilege and positive self-image of those who exercise it. By stooping down to wash the disciples' feet, Jesus calls us all to exercise authority humbly, as a service."    
- Recommended