Feast of the Epiphany Readings and the Washing of the Apostles' Feet

Today, the scripture reading, in the morning office, is taken from the Prophet Isaiah 52:7-10. It begins with the following words:

How beautiful upon the mountains, are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, Announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, Your God is king!

While reading the words of the prophet, I could not help but remember the manner in which Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD) united the words of the Prophet with Jesus' washing of the feet of His apostles.

The hour (hē hōra) spoken by Jesus Christ to His Mother in Cana and to the Samaritan Woman at Jacob’s Well had finally arrived on Holy Thursday. “Jesus knew that His hour arrived to leave this world and return to the Father. “ (cf. John 2:4; 4:21,23; 13:1)

Jesus and His apostles were together in the Upper Room in Jerusalem on the night before He was crucified. They celebrated the Passover together and Jesus then got up to wash the feet of those; who would literally one day bring the Good News of Salvation to the nations.

This washing of the apostles' feet took place before Jesus warns that He is about to be betrayed and before the institution of the Eucharist. (cf. Mark 14; 17-23; Luke 22:14-22; John 13: 1-18) This is key for another topic.

Origen considered the manner in which the apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, would proclaim the "Good News" to the whole world, beginning in Jerusalem. The Old Jerusalem would become the New Jerusalem and the New Zion.

Literally on Pentecost, God-fearing Jews and converts to Judaism from every nation under heaven were in Jerusalem.

“Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene and visitors from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs.” (cf. Acts 2:1-11)

The numbers began to assemble near the place in which the 120 apostles and disciples were gathered together. Peter, from the upper level, began to preach the Good News of Salvation, “Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!”

Jesus, son of David (whose body did not see corruption) is the promised King to the Nations.

Jesus washed the feet of those, who would one day literally from Zion bring into being what was previously foretold:

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Christ’s disciples who brings glad tidings, Announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, Your God is king!