Daily Catholic Lectio
Wed, 25 December ‘24
Nativity of the Lord – Mass during the Day
Isaiah 52:7-10. Psalm 98. Hebrews 1:1-6. John 1:1-18
Feet of the Lord!
Today, with hearts overflowing with joy and gratitude, we gather to celebrate the glorious birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. This sacred day beckons us to pause and reflect on a profound and tender theme: “The feet of the Lord.” This evocative image, drawn from the prophecy of Isaiah, stirs our hearts:
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isaiah 52:7).
The feet of the Lord are a sign of His coming, His nearness, and His boundless love in bringing salvation to His people. As we celebrate the Word made flesh, we are invited to contemplate these sacred feet through the lens of four divine gifts: Word, Light, Life, and Welcoming.
1. Word: The Proclamation of Salvation
In the prologue of John’s Gospel, we hear the profound mystery of the Incarnation unfold: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1, 14).
The Word is not merely a sound or a message—it is a Person. In Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God has taken on human flesh and walked among us. His sacred feet trod the mountains and valleys of human life, proclaiming peace, salvation, and hope.
Psalm 98 resounds with this truth, calling us to joyful praise: “The Lord has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations” (Ps 98:2).
This Word is alive and active, reaching into the brokenness of our world to heal and redeem. As we meditate on the feet of the Lord, let us open our hearts to His Word and become bearers of His message of salvation, sharing His peace and love with others.
2. Light: Dispelling the Darkness
John’s Gospel continues with this radiant truth: “In Him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:4-5).
The feet of the Lord bring light to a world overshadowed by sin, despair, and fear. His birth is a beacon of hope, a light that guides us through the shadows of life. This light is not distant or abstract—it is a gentle and steadfast presence that accompanies us on our journey.
Isaiah echoes this promise: “The watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy, for they see with their own eyes the return of the Lord to Zion” (Isaiah 52:8).
This light, radiant and unyielding, is the fulfilment of God’s covenant love. Let us allow this divine light to illuminate our hearts and, in turn, become reflections of His glory, guiding others to His saving presence.
3. Life: Walking in Redemption
The Letter to the Hebrews proclaims the divine majesty of Christ:
“In these last days, God has spoken to us by a Son… through whom also He created the world. He is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being” (Hebrews 1:2-3).
Jesus, the Word made flesh, is the very source of life. His feet walked among the poor, the outcast, and the broken-hearted, offering them healing and renewal. By embracing our humanity, He sanctified every step of our earthly journey, transforming suffering into a pathway to eternal life.
Psalm 98 calls us to rejoice in this gift of life: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” (Ps 98:4).
This Christmas, let us walk in the footsteps of Christ, living lives of faith, compassion, and hope, as we embrace the redemption He offers.
4. Welcoming: Receiving the Lord with Open Hearts
John’s Gospel tenderly reminds us: “He came to what was His own, and His own people did not accept Him. But to all who received Him, He gave power to become children of God” (John 1:11-12).
The feet of the Lord, though beautiful, often met rejection. Yet, to those who welcomed Him, He brought the priceless gift of adoption into God’s family. Christmas is a season of welcoming—welcoming Christ into our hearts, our homes, and our lives.
Mary and Joseph welcomed Jesus with simple trust, even amidst the humblest of circumstances. The shepherds, with awe and wonder, drew near to the manger. The Magi journeyed far, offering Him gifts of adoration. These sacred responses invite us to open our hearts to the Saviour, allowing Him to transform our lives with His love.
Let us also extend His welcome to others, especially those who are lonely, forgotten, or marginalized. In doing so, we become living witnesses of His boundless mercy.
Conclusion
The feet of the Lord have brought good news to a weary world. They proclaim the Word, radiate the Light, impart the fullness of Life, and invite us into the joy of Welcoming Him.
As we rejoice in this holy day, let us commit ourselves to walk in His ways, carrying His message of peace and salvation to all. May our feet, like His, be beautiful upon the mountains, bearing tidings of joy to a world in need.
“Have you not heard His silent steps?
He comes, He comes, He ever comes” (R. Tagore).
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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