Two years ago, one of our faithful One Bread, One Body editors slipped on a patch of ice and broke her ankle. She lived the truth of the above Bible verse: her foot slipped, but she saw the kindness of God sustain her through the loving outreach of her family and Christian community.

When we walk in Jesus' footsteps (Lk 9:23), we will fall because Jesus Himself fell while carrying His cross. We cannot allow these falls to erode our trust in our heavenly Father. In tempting Jesus, Satan even told Jesus that Scripture promised that He wouldn't even hit His foot on a stone (Mt 4:6: Ps 91:12). However, when the Lord promises to guard our feet from stumbling (Ps 116:8), He does not exempt us from carrying our cross. Even if our feet slip, Jesus picks us up and foots the bill for our healing (Lk 10:34-35).

It's not easy to keep trusting God when our foot slips and we fall. We might wonder: "Why did God let me fall if He's such a loving God?" Instead of looking at our misfortune or the obstacles in front of us, we must simply look at Jesus' feet as we follow His steps. Like Mary of Bethany, we place ourselves at His feet (Lk 10:39). We fix our gaze on the beautiful, nail-scarred feet of Jesus (Is 52:7), kissing His feet in reverence and love (Lk 7:45).

In turn, Jesus washes our feet (Jn 13:5). He sets our feet upon rock and makes firm our steps (Ps 40:3). He removes our hesitation in following Him, so that our stride is unwavering (Ps 18:37). So walk with Jesus and help put Satan under His feet (Heb 10:13).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 16, 2005

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