Scripture:
Romans 10:9-18
Matthew 4:18-22
Reflection:
Take a moment to look at your feet. Are they ugly or beautiful?
In our gospel today we hear about the call of the first apostles, Andrew and Peter, James and John. They were fishermen. I’ll bet their feet were ugly, scared, calloused and dirty. That came with the job.
But eventually their ugly feet would become those beautiful feet that Isaiah spoke about today. Their beauty would come not from looks but from purpose. Their feet carried them to preach the gospel. In our first reading today from Isaiah, we heard the words, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings” (Isaiah 52:7).
We too can have beautiful feet. First, we are to walk with Christ and learn from him. Then, like the apostles, we are sent forth to preach the gospel. At the end of each Mass is the Sending Forth rite. This gives our feet their purpose.
By both word and example, we are sent forth to kick put prejudice, stomp on injustice, and march for the cause of peace. By preaching about Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are called upon to help others jump for joy over the good news.
It will not always be easy. There will be opposition and indifference, and even fatigue. Let us pray with Isaiah that we “run and not grow weary … walk and not faint.” (Cf. Isaiah 40:31). Then we can rejoice. By the grace of God, our beautiful feet have brought us to our heavenly home.
Fr. Alan Phillip, C.P. is a member of the Passionist Community at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California. http://www.alanphillipcp.com/.