timely & relevant

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Mar 20, 2008

Now here's a bright new idea that deserves to be forgotten. Some forward-thinking C of E bishops are updating the imagery of the Last Supper footwashing by giving free shoe-shines in front of the news cams:

Bishops are getting down on their knees this Maundy Thursday to shine the shoes of office workers and shoppers in towns and cities across the country.

The free act is inspired by the night of the Last Supper when Jesus washed his disciples' feet before his trial and crucifixion on Good Friday.

Bishop of Birmingham the Rt Revd David Urquhart said it showed the clergy were prepared to serve their communities.

There seems to be some kind of mysterious spiritual law which dictates that whenever the clergy convince themselves the traditional liturgical symbols are too weak, the novelties they come with as substitutes are bad. The fact that Bishop Urquhart is obliged to explain the symbolism of his emblematic action is proof that, as an emblematic action, it's stillborn.

If a clergyman wishes to show that he's prepared to serve his community, why couldn't he do his job for a change? That would give them a jolt, and something to remember as well.