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BE WHERE YOUR FEET ARE!

Be where your feet are!

The first time I remember hearing this phrase, I was juggling many responsibilities and was struggling to keep my head above water. I immediately cringed as I realized that I was not being mindful. I was not recognizing the beauty of every moment or appreciating the reality that I/we are always in the presence of our God.

Be where your feet are has become a mantra for me … a call to presence and prayer. This phrase leads me back to Saint Clare’s method of prayer and contemplation.

In her second letter to Agnes of Prague, Clare suggests that one should “Gaze upon Christ, Consider Christ, Contemplate Christ, as you desire to Imitate Christ.” What a powerful and challenging message this is!

Be where your feet are!

When I gaze, I am called to be mindful of the people and events that are happening around me. As I slow down to gaze, does that change my perception of what is important? Does gazing challenge how I spend my time, talent and treasure?

Be where your feet are!

As I consider the realities within and around me, am I more keenly aware of God’s energy within me and all creation? Does considering challenge how I spend my time, talent and treasure?

Be where your feet are!

Called to contemplation, where do I hear God speaking to me? What is being affirmed and what am I called to leave behind? Does contemplation provide insight into how is God asking me to use my resources for the common good?

Be where your feet are!

Gaze, consider, contemplate so that you might imitate Christ. How does my experience of presence and awareness invite me to be more loving? How do I grow in my ability to imitate Christ and bring love and light to our world?

Be where your feet are … always and all ways!

Pace e bene!

~ Mary Beth Gianoli, osf
Vice President for Mission Integration
Marian University, Indianapolis




Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA

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