The Poetry Tree

(Photo: R. Massaro)

CHRIST HAS NO BODY

Christ has no body now on earth but yours,

no hands but yours,

no feet but yours,

Yours are the eyes through which is to look out

Christ's compassion to the world;

Yours are the feet with which he is to go about

doing good;

Yours are the hands with which he is to bless men now.

 A poem by St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila)

This beautiful poem by St. Teresa is a great encouragement to us, that whatever we do to our neighbor we do in the name of Christ. It is also a way to look at the "Little Way" of St. Therese of the Child Jesus.  Maybe we can't do much or do great things, but we can offer a smile, a touch, a kind word, all in the name of Christ.  We are his witnesses in the world. Let us remember to use our bodies for evangelization, let us be his missionaries of mercy by using our very physical being to show gentleness and compassion to all those we meet.

Let us pray for each other!

Peace be with you!

Rosemarie, ocds
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