Memorial of St. Teresa of Jesus

Memorial of St. Teresa of Jesus

Reflection

“Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes through which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.”

–St. Teresa of Jesus

Prayer

God our Maker,

Embody your goodness through us, O Lord, embody your goodness. Inspirit our bodies—yes, these very bodies!—to serve in your stead, blessing the world with compassion. And now, for the hands that have worked till they’re weary—have mercy, and come, holy spirit. For the feet that have walked till they’re sore—have mercy, and come, holy spirit. Amen.

Call to Action

As I go through the motions preparing for work—be it washing my hands, tying my shoes, changing my clothes—may I remember the mission to which I’ve been called. Whatever my role and regardless the tasks, these are the hands and feet that extend blessing, goodness, and compassion to the rest of the world.