Maundy Thursday Footwashing

Maundy Thursday Footwashing on a university offers a powerful, symbolic expression of humility and the radical equality found in the love of God. As students, Agape staff, and passers by take turns washing one another's feet, traditional hierarchies are momentarily set aside, and participants are reminded of Jesus' act of servanthood in washing the feet of his disciples. On campuses often marked by academic prestige, competition, and social stratification, the footwashing ritual cuts through status and power, calling everyone—regardless of title or background—into a shared vulnerability. It becomes a tactile way of embodying the Gospel’s call to serve rather than be served.

Offering Footwashing along with our regular Wednesday offerings, in a completely voluntary way, allows conversation and informality to work as we discover the giggles, honesty, and awkwardness of such a personal experience. Much like Ashes to Go, bringing holy moments into the public square insists that we embody Jesus' wonder and conviction as well. Footwashing reminds participants that in God's eyes, all are equally loved and equally called to serve. This sacred moment reshapes perspectives, often lingering in our hearts long after the water has dried.