By Sharon Wilson

 

Untitled by Eric Molina via Flikr. CC BY 2.0

 

I used to do all of the “environment” at our parish.  Environment is a more exact way of calling the decorating of the church.  We use that term to differentiate it from the way we decorate our homes. In the church, all ”decoration” needs to be pertinent and directed to the Liturgy and to point to the Eucharist.

It was special having keys to the church.  My children were young back then and I would often go into the church after I put them to bed, leaving my husband to man the household while I did my church work.

Walking into a parish alone at night was a prayerful experience. Putting up banners, changing vases of flowers and exchanging an altar cloth seemed like holy acts when you put your mind to whom you are doing it for.

God said: Do not come near! Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. Ex 3:5

When I read today’s reading from Exodus, it reminded me of all of the times I took my shoes off while doing the environment at church.  Sure, it was easier to move around without my shoes, but it also reminded me that I was on Holy Ground. It seems that if we can remember that we are on Holy Ground, how we approach all things can be made holy.

When I am washing the dishes, am I doing it begrudgingly or do I remember with gratitude my family and the blessings that they are?  When I meet with a friend that I may have had a falling out with, am I recognizing the person, who is a child of God, in front of me?

God reminded Moses that he was stepping unto Holy Ground and that He was the  God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

I may not always physically take my shoes off when facing a difficult person or situation, but I try to imagine and remember who I am standing in front of and who I serve. 

Today, take off your shoes and remember that you are standing on Holy Ground!

And it is a great day to get a pedicure!

About the author:

Sharon Wilson – Wife, Mother, Writer, Catholic Speaker, and a WINE Specialist. Sharon has a degree in education and has worked as a freelance writer, Respect Life Coordinator, a teacher, in advertising, radio, buyer and in youth advocacy – She even rode an elephant in the circus once! Sharon speaks, writes and shares about God’s healing and about the great gift of being Catholic at SharonAgnesWilson.com