Friday, July 12, 2024  

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Today's Scripture
Romans 10:14–17

But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. (NRSV)

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Reflection

Paul’s letter to the Romans immediately recalls the lyrics of a Mendelssohn anthem: “How lovely are the messengers that preach us the gospel of peace!” It’s a gorgeous, soaring anthem (one that our choir has brilliantly shared with us). It’s almost gorgeous enough to make us forget that Paul celebrates feet. Stinky, dusty feet. Feet encased in filthy sandals. Feet dredged in the mud or trudged along dirt paths. Feet that brought Paul and his colleagues to Rome and elsewhere as they shared the good news of Jesus Christ. Why feet?

Well, in our modern world, we share the good news in many ways — some set out on foot, while others communicate from their computers, or in their homes. As I write, Fourth Church folks are living and sharing the good news with friends everywhere; to lift up just a few . . .

Pastor Rocky and our Senior Highs are en route to New York for a mission trip — bless their 15-passenger van, God, and bless their feet as they walk into places of service.

Jana, Hope, and Jeannine are commissioners to the Presbyterian Church’s General Assembly in Salt Lake City — bless their feet as they move from computers to airplanes to a conference center, faithfully imagining how to proclaim the good news in this time and place.

Mike and Meals Ministry volunteers prep Anderson Hall to serve lunch to our neighbors, including guests of the Social Service Center — bless their hands and feet as they greet and eat.

Pastor Joe leads our online prayer group today, where members pray for each other and lift up members of our church family, by name — bless their faithful hearts and minds as they pray.

Whether we travel by foot or from our devices, we do so on faith — ours and God’s — may God bless our hands and feet, enabling us to use them in service to all.

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Prayer
Holy God, bless our feet, wheelchairs, walkers, and every conceivable mode of transportation that enables us to share your good news. Send us out to do your work and show your love. Amen.

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Written by Amy Pagliarella, Parish Associate for Caring Ministries

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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