Washing of feet highlights Eucharist's role in mission, bishop says

Published: 2005-10-12

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Gospel of John's account of the Last Supper features Jesus washing his disciples' feet and sending them forth, highlighting the fact that the Eucharist leads to mission and service in the world, said Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Wash. The bishop, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, addressed the Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist Oct. 8 and spoke to Catholic News Service in Rome Oct. 12. The washing of the feet, he told CNS, "is integral to the Last Supper": It is St. John's way of saying Christ's followers remember his sacrifice in the Mass, but they also must remember his admonition to go out and serve the world. Bishop Skylstad said that while some synod members have focused on abuses of liturgical norms or a lack of reverence for the Eucharist, most bishops seem more focused "on the positive aspects of Eucharist and celebration." "If you are looking for warts and moles" in how the Eucharist is celebrated, "you are going to find them," he said. "But I would rather focus on the positive things and continue to improve them."

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