| March 23, 2006

In western religious traditions, going barefoot (or shod), carries a great deal of symbolism, representing by turns:

1. A sign of proximity to holy ground
2. A token of humility, mortification, or penance
3. A prophetic "sign to the Nations"
4. Obedience to Jesus' advice to ministers
5. Unstinting reliance on Providence
6. Identification with the poor
7. Experiencing the holiness of the redeemed earth.