How beautiful are the feet

Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.

By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

A reflection on the daily readings for the Feast of St. Andrew, apostle, by Father Perry.

The second optional verse response in the Responsorial Psalm today certainly captures so much of the power and meaning and beauty of God’s word today: “Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.”

And as the verses unfold they speak of the words that decree the law, the words that express wisdom, the words that deliver just judgements, and the words that rejoice the heart and enlighten the eye.

They are more precious than gold, sweeter than syrup or honey from the comb.

And quite frankly, Andrew became an apostle of Jesus the Lord because Andrew heard the words: “Come, follow me.”

And Andrew certainly spoke the word: “Yes!”

+ And so it is no wonder nor a surprise that the letter to the Romans highlights so simply and beautifully a word of thanks to the human body and soul that delivers so eloquently this word of God when it says: “How beautiful are the lips of those that bring the good news!”

Except, that is not what the word says today.

One might think it a mistake, but the truth is that the word today says: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!”

Now that is delightful. Those lips would not get very far were it not for the feet that brought those lips to this or that or another locale.

Yes — dirty feet trampling the earthen ground in order to carry that tired, walking body to that space and place where the word could be delivered — think of it as a “first thanks goes to …”

Yes, the feet!

+ And from those feet and those lips the “word is given by the word — Jesus the Christ.”

And faith comes alive in those that hear — especially with the ears of the heart!

Father Perry D. Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at perry.leiker@gmail.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.