Prayer - Teresa of Avila

This prayer by Teresa of Avila was shared with me as I finish out my second week of vacation, retreat and caring for myself.  Often when we think about being the hands and feet of Christ we immediately think of doing, moving and serving.  But as I read this prayer I was reminded again that being the hands and feet of Christ also involves caring for yourself, resting and at times stepping away from things even if it is something you love and have passion for.  Your body will not do much for Christ if it is tired, worn out and lacks rest.  With renewed energy I look forward to returning to service for Christ on Monday.  I can’t wait to see what He has in store for me next.  

  

Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)

Christ Has No Body

Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.