He walks to do good

During Epiphany we are looking into St. Teresa’s prayer to discover how we can more fully be Christ’s hands, eyes, and body in the world. We’ve touched on being hands and eyes of Christ to move the kingdom down the road and to be open to seeing the needs around us.

Today we consider our feet as instruments for Christ to “walk to do good.” I am reminded of the song “Holy Ground” which John Michael Talbot sings on several of his recordings. The first verse is especially applicable.  

This is holy ground
We're standing on holy ground
For the Lord is present
And where He is is holy…

If we view the place where we are standing as holy, it will change our view of the world. It won’t matter if we find ourselves in (real or figurative) mud-pits, mountain tops, turning places, rose gardens, or at a dead end. We can walk through all life's situations with God and one another.

Joseph, son of Jacob, went through some pretty dramatic life challenges. His life started out wonderfully. As the beloved son of the favored wife, he got all the perks. This made his brothers jealous and in retaliation they sold him into slavery. False accusations put him in prison. In all of these events, though, Joseph discovered that “the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.” (Genesis 39:23) He trusted in God and ultimately was able to tell his brothers “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive.” (Genesis 50:20)

Teresa of Avila says that ours “are the feet with which He walks to do good.” As Joseph’s life played out, he found his feet in many places that he didn’t expect. In each instance, he was an instrument of God for good. Joseph, the slave in Potiphar’s household, ‘found favor [with his master]…and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all he had…the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake…he had no concern for anything but the food which he ate.’ (Genesis 39:4-5)

In prison, ‘the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison…whatever was done there, he was the doer of it.’ (Genesis 39:21-22). When he was called before Pharaoh, Joseph still depends upon God. He tells Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” The interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream brings Joseph to the pinnacle of Egyptian success. Pharaoh recognizes that Joseph is a man of God. “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discreet and wise…you shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command; only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” (Genesis 41:39-40). He becomes responsible for the relief efforts before and during the famine and ultimately saves his father and brothers.

Joseph must have had to often remind himself that he was ‘standing on holy ground’ and that God would not forsake him. When we are in a dark or challenging spot, do we look around and see the Holy or do we fall into despair? Joseph had every reason to give up, but he did not. He continued to serve God wherever he was. He continued to walk forward on the Holy Ground and allowed his feet to be the instruments through which God could act to bless Potiphar, the warden, Pharaoh, all Egypt and even his own family.

Holy Loving Lord of Joseph and Teresa, help me to see wherever I am as Holy ground. Help me to trust that whatever the situation, You are present to do good. I offer my feet to Your service. Amen