By Br. Tyler Harris, OFM

Both Sts. Francis and Clare of Assisi spoke passionately about following the footprints of our Lord Jesus Christ. And that is exactly what we did yesterday while processing through the streets of Indianapolis behind Christ in the Eucharist.

So today we ask: What does it mean to follow the footprints of the Eucharist?

In his writings, Francis always speaks of the “Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ,” emphasizing the personal, human, living presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The footprints of the Body and Blood lead us to seek out and serve the living Image of Christ in all our neighbors—especially the poor and marginalized, just as we seek out and adore His Real Presence in church. Francis and Clare knew so well that in following Christ and loving our neighbors with our whole selves, we find our truest identity and the keys to greater newness of life.  

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“Inwardly cleansed, interiorly enlightened and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit, may we be able to follow in the footprints of Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.” – St Francis, Letter to the Entire Order.