Today on Monday of Holy Week, Garrett-Evangelical looks out at the world through the image of pierced feet. This detail from the Christ window is very striking. On either side of Jesus are the two angels, and their feet appear pristine, pure, and unblemished; their feet stand at an angle while Jesus’ feet point straight ahead toward us who view this window. The soldiers are sitting with their feet tucked under their bodies; their feet have led them to participate in a deed of horrific violence. So, it is as if their feet must hide and not be seen.
But Christ has no shame, nothing to hide; all that he has and all that he is, he reveals to us so that we might know the one who sent him. His pierced feet are a powerful image that reminds us that to follow in his footsteps will require courage, strength, and the capacity to face danger and persecution. The Christ who invites us to walk with him is a suffering servant who knows the way through trials and troubles. The twenty-second psalm is often read during Lent as a way of acknowledging the One who suffered for us.
We look, therefore, through the pierced feet today into a world where people suffer, and we pray for all of you through these words of the Psalm.
My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. But you, LORD, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen.” Psalm 22:15-21
By Al Caldwell, Retired Faculty, editor
