Feet on the Ground

Clodovis Boff, a well known Brazilian theologian, once wrote a book called “Feet on the Ground Theology”. How refreshing though a bit sad; refreshing in that someone is calling for church leaders to act and speak from the reality of their people, yet sad that the appeal has to be made at all.

The readings for this Sunday are rich with a variety of very concrete images: flock, desert, fire, bush, milk and honey, cloud, blood, tower of Siloam and a fig tree. While these may seem strange as most of us were raised and live in large urban areas, thus flocks, fig trees and bushes do not speak to us in the same way as they did to the first century Jews. But the readings- and, in particular, the Gospel story- reflects ‘feet on the ground’ teaching- relating messages about God and God’s love for us in a language which people can understand. God is a God of Mercy willing to wait for us to leave behind sin, fear and whatever keeps us for a deeper relationship with God.

What is today’s readings saying to us in your daily life?
Where do we find a God of Mercy?
Are we merciful and forgiving to others?

The world of Mission Doctors is to put God’s love into action not with words but actions- practicing ‘feet on the ground theology’.

Perhaps this Lent we can find a way to help them extend mercy to those who normally have no medical care?