Is Washing Feet Insignificant?

[EllenMaksoud]

So, I was doing some research about the painting by Leonardo da Vinci called, the Last Supper. As near as I can tell, the original had a very effeminate "Person" in the painting to Jesus Christ's right. Considering that misogynists pretty much had sway in the painter's time, I am surprised that "She" survived. Interestingly, I have found several versions that do not show a woman in the picture.

At one point in my research, the author said that Mary Magdalene was there, but not in the picture because, "she was doing the unimportant job of wiping feet". Considering that Jesus Christ did some feet wiping, does anyone think that what Mary was doing was unimportant?

[DarkScythe]

it is not so much in the act itself, but the idea of being humble in all things is important.

[CASteinman]

There are different types of washing feet.

[mfbukowski]

This is a delicate subject because there is a sacred LDS temple ordinance regarding washing of the feet, and it is hardly ever mentioned publicly. Not many members are even aware that it exists- so Ellen, prepare for some ambiguous answers. But yes, it is very significant.

[Storm Rider]

Hello Ellen, I think you may be confusing two different things. There are a few places in the NT where women are washing the feet of other people. This was a culturally a significant act that affords respect, welcome, and generosity on behalf of the household for the individual. The act of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples may be seen as something different. It was not only an act of deep humility for the Master to wash the feet of his disciples with all of its attendant meanings, but may also be a record of a priesthood ordinance.

[cinepro]

Then there's this:

Pope's Foot Washing a Final Straw for Traditionalists

Francis' decision to disregard church law and wash the feet of two girls — a Serbian Muslim and an Italian Catholic — during a Holy Thursday ritual has become something of the final straw, evidence that Francis has little or no interest in one of the key priorities of Benedict's papacy: reviving the pre-Vatican II traditions of the Catholic Church.