The Feet of the Messenger
How
beautiful upon the mountains
are
the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who
brings good news,
who
announces salvation,
who
says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Isaiah 52:7
So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. John 13:14-17
And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:15
Since you appeared at my door
You came in gently without fanfare
And simply sat on the floor
Your grateful sheepish smile
Welcomed my invitation
To let you sit down
In a corner for a while
Like a young aphonic boy
His head among the stars
Under the veiled power
Of your unveiled charm
I invited you to sit on the throne
For it is not proper to offer the guest
A corner of the rug belonging
To the devoted servant
Then, taking a cushion
To rest your feet
Tired from the long voyage
I removed the used sandals
Full of dust covering
Their rare beauty
I took a basin and tenderly
I washed and dried them
Then, leaning to pray,
I warmed and blessed them
For these beautiful and fragile feet
Belong to the docile messenger
Proclaiming the Gospel of Peace.
Jean-Louis
