Eyes that see

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

          Author of the First Letter of John

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How do we know where our eyes are?

Where our gaze is turned?

Where our eyes linger, and then linger some more?

 

By how we live!

 

Whether we are aware of it or not,

and usually we are not,

we “mirror” others.

 

When we are in the presence of another, and are focused on them,

truly focused,

and when we value them,

we often pick up their gestures, speech patterns, and even their attitudes.

 

Children mirror their parents, and grandparents,

and later their peers.

 

Employees often mirror their bosses,

and sometimes, God help us, we mirror our political leaders!

 

So the way we think,

the inclinations of our hearts

our attitudes,

and ultimately our actions are reflective

 

of where our eyes (and perhaps heart) linger.

 

Who do we mirror?

Whose attitudes and actions do we reflect?

 

Ah, Beloved One,

you are always before us, you are always above us,

you are always below us, you are always behind us,

you are always in us.

 

We are permeated with Sacred presence

and so should truly be Sacred Children.

 

We should reflect your love,

your generosity,

your forgiveness,

your patience

your kindness.

 

But our eyes stray,

pulled away from you by so many things

which catch our eyes.

 

And then your image in us dims and blurs.

 

Help us Jesus, beloved,

Help us Christ, the Cosmic One,

keep our eyes stayed on you

 

that we may see you as you really are,

and be more like you.