Zenit today was giving instructions for priests that don't have the physical ability to perform this liturgical service. This brought to mind, John 12, where Mary washed the feet of Jesus. It always struck me odd that Mary used her hair to dry His feet. She was organized enough to make plans to get into this dinner, approach the men somehow, buy certain oil, wash Jesus' feet, etc., but she forgot a towel!
Doesn't that seem bizarre to you?
Now there's plenty of times when you use a rest room and find out after you've washed your hands, that there are no towels. Have you ever used your hair to dry your hands? No, you air dry them, or use your clothes. Using your hair isn't even a consideration.
I think it must be a symbolic gesture, otherwise it's just not done. But what it symbolizes, I don't know.
