If there is one thing I’ve learned by spending way too much time on social media during the pandemic, is that people love animals. Like most, I feel a strong bond with feathered or four-legged friends of all kinds and treasure those unexpected encounters when they come to visit.
One of the most unexpected, given I don’t live in the country or what could even really be called the suburbs anymore, was an early morning encounter with a peacock, strutting along the side of the road that runs through the local park. Though the feathers were a shadowy grey, the feathers’ “eyes” stood in brilliant contrast, providing an early morning work of art.
And while it was a beautiful sight to behold, I froze in my spot as his beady little peacock eyes stared at mine. These amazing birds are known for their aggressive behavior.
Thankfully, he wasn’t in the mood for a fight, so I made it back to my car and headed off to work, wondering what meaning the peacock might hold for me this day. I considered that this unexpected encounter could be enlightening.
I learned that peacock lore includes a story about one of the bird’s most outstanding features—its eerie and raucous call. As the story goes, it seems the peacock has ugly feet and every time it catches sight of its feet it screeches.
Been there—which is why I gladly accepted the gift of my first pedicure, including a foot massage, when my son was getting married. I felt like a new person when I came out of that session like I was walking on clouds.
Scripture, however, tells us that action, not appearance, is the defining characteristic of feet:
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation…” (Isaiah 52:7).
The quote was a favorite of one of our bishops, who preached often about what it means for us as disciples of Christ, striving for holiness by bringing the good news of Jesus to others.
Whenever I read or hear this verse, I am moved by the memory of a humble, faithful bishop who used the image of his own aging, imperfect feet to encourage us to holiness.
As a person with feet in need of a makeover, Isaiah’s words always make me smile and encourage my heart.
Through it, I am reminded that, even in those times when our feet seem to be mired in mud or are taking too many steps backward, as long as we continue to be bearers of peace and the good news of God’s promises, then our feet are instruments of God.
Mary Regina Morrell is a Catholic journalist, author, and syndicated columnist who has served the dioceses of Metuchen and Trenton, New Jersey, and RENEW International in the areas of catechesis and communication.