As I Have Done For You

This is one of the highlights of Holy Thursday liturgies for me.  A song that can be as long as you need to have as many feet washed as you could possibly want.  Dan Schutte has written a devious and memorable tune with a text based on John 13-16. OCP has a sample of the music to view here, and you can buy it here.

This is the original. This is a church doing it well.

Refrain

I, your Lord and Master, now become your servant.

I who made the moon and stars will kneel to wash you feet.

This is my commandment: to love as I have loved you.

Kneel to wash each others feet as I have done for you.

Verse 1

All the world will know you are my disciples

By the love that you offer, the kindness you show.

You have heard the voice of God in the words that I have spoken.

You beheld heaven’s glory and have seen the face of God.

Refrain

Verse 2

I must leave you now only for a moment.

I must go to the Father to make you a home.

On the day of my return, I will come to take you with me

To the place I have promised where your joy will have no end.

Refrain

Verse 3

I am like a vine you are like the branches.

If you cling to my teaching you surely will live.

If you make your home in me, I will come to dwell within you.

You can count on my mercy when you ask for what you need.

Refrain

Verse 4

I have called you friends, now no longer servants.

What I told you in secret, the world longs to know.

There can be no greater love than to give your life for others.

As the Father has loved me, so I love you as my own.

Refrain

Verse 5

You will weep for now while the world rejoices.

But the tears of your sorrow will soon turn to joy.

As a mother cries in childbirth and her pain is turned to gladness,

You will know great rejoicing on the day of my return.

Refrain

Verse 6

I will give you peace; this will be my blessing.

Though the world churns around you, I leave you my peace.

I have told you all these things that my peace may dwell within you.

Let your faith be unshaken and your hope ever strong.

Refrain

© Daniel Schutte 2001.