HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET.

"How Beautiful Are the Feet" is a beloved soprano aria from Handel's Messiah, followed immediately in this score by the stirring chorus "Their Sound is Gone Out." The text draws from the scriptures, celebrating the messengers who travel to share the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things. In the choir loft, this piece is a profound expression of the church's mission to spread the word of God to all lands.

Because of its focus on the calling to preach and share the good news, this aria and chorus are especially fitting for Ordination Masses. When a new priest or deacon is ordained, these words resonate deeply with the congregation, reminding everyone of the sacred duty being taken up. The gentle, pastoral lilt of the soprano solo captures the grace of this calling, before giving way to the confident, full-voiced choral entry that declares the message has reached the ends of the earth.

For a choir, mastering this classical work offers a chance to connect with a long tradition of sacred choral music. The interplay between the soloist's delicate phrasing and the choir's robust response makes it a moving experience for both the singers and the faithful in the pews, lifting hearts in gratitude for those who bring the light of the gospel into the world.