19. LET OUR EYES BE OPENED

THE ‘LET’ OF LENT – Monday, March 15th

Read Matthew 20:29-34.

They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.”
Matthew 20:33 (NRSV)

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them;
for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”
Matthew 19:14 (NRSV)

Our spiritual invitation for today, “Let our eyes be opened,” is our invitation to a fresh new way of regarding life.

When the blind men had their sight restored, they not only saw the world with clarity, we can imagine they also saw the world with gratitude and wonder! They could look at the beauty of nature, the faces of loved ones, even the ordinary things of life as fresh, new, and exciting. Their vision would help them become more mobile and free. They could more readily discover and explore the rich abundance of life with grateful and joyful exuberance.

How might those of us who already have our sight become blinded to the rich fullness of life? I think of my days spent worrying over needless concerns while I am missing out on precious moments. The times when my setbacks keep me from seeing my small successes. When the routine monotony of pandemic life diminishes my sense of adventure. When I begin to believe that my age prohibits my dreaming or imagining greater goals or exciting escapades. These daily blinders can keep me from seeing all that life with God offers us. I can miss finding so much goodness, simply because I have limited my view.

The second verse must be included, for what better way is there to see anew, than to see through the eyes of a child?

A while back, I posted this photo on my Facebook page. My two-year old granddaughter had refused to put the yellow stickers on the outlines, because the outlines were blue. Instead, she chose the photos that more closely resembled the stickers! My friend Julie then commented, “Oh those kids. They have a whole new way of looking at things. Maybe that’s why Jesus said what he did about children.” Her words soon became my inspiration for today’s reflection. (Thank you, Julie!)

Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven belongs to little children and people like them. Today, let’s be attentive to God in the world by looking around us with fresh eyes. Let’s look at life anew with the innocence and joy of a child. When was the last time you inspected a blade of grass with wonder? Looked at the clouds and thought of heaven? Sat in a sanctuary and truly felt small? Romped playfully with your dog? Regarded a loved one as your hero?

When was the last time you stopped to thank God for creating this everyday miracle of life? When have you thanked God for remaining with us and delighting in our enjoyment of its goodness?

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May we let God open our eyes to see the beauty, wonder, awe, and joy of everyday life – and God’s loving presence within it all.

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Our readings for tomorrow will be John 7:37-38 and Revelation 22:17.

Photo by Karen

Bible verses found at https://classic.biblegateway.com/