Jesus, when you were a baby lying in your mother’s lap,
did she kiss your feet so precious, each small toe, both front and back?
When you helped in Joseph’s workshop, did sharp splinters pierce your toes
from the scraps and jagged fragments as the crafts you came to know?
John the Baptist felt unworthy to loosen sandals on your feet:
feet that never stopped when weary, feet that bore rough roads and heat.
A sinful woman was repentant when she washed your tired feet
with her long and flowing tresses and her tears of sorrow sweet.
Jesus, when you walked on water, did it feel so fresh and cool
as you gently beckoned Peter to trust and walk on water, too?
You washed the feet of your disciples, though, at first, they did protest.
You taught the worth of service to those who follow in your steps.
Three times your feet gave out beneath you as the heavy cross pressed down;
What pain you must have suffered when they drove the nails so long!
Jesus, when you hung there dying, did your mother come and bless
the feet she knew before they walked, that now had climbed the road to death?
When you appeared, on Easter morn, to the women on their way,
they caressed your risen feet and worshipped Savior Jesus, that holy day!
Your feet, Jesus, now in heaven, your feet, Lord, that walked with men,
are the feet that lead to glory. Guide us to our Father. Amen.
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Painting: Walking on Water by Ivan Aivazovsky (1888). Public domain.
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Manchester, Connecticut. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.