Seeing with New Eyes: Embracing Light and Love

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we delve into the profound teachings of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the metaphor of the eye as the lamp of the body. Jesus emphasizes that if our eyes are healthy—interpreted as generous or sound—our whole body will be full of light. Conversely, if our eyes are unhealthy or stingy, our body will be full of darkness. This metaphor challenges us to consider what we pay attention to and how it shapes our inner world. Our awareness, or lack thereof, dictates our actions and moral compass.

The philosopher Iris Murdoch suggests that morality is deeply intertwined with our perception of life and others. Our emotions and biases can cloud our vision, leading us away from goodness. The story of the prodigal son illustrates this transformation of perception. Initially, the son views his father as an obstacle, but upon coming to his senses, he sees his father in a new light, prompting repentance and reconciliation. Similarly, the parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us about the power of perception. While the priest and Levite see an interruption, the Samaritan sees an opportunity for compassion.

The narrative of Jaber Crow, a character from Wendell Berry's novel, further exemplifies this theme. Despite his questions about God, Jaber learns to see life with new eyes, recognizing the blessings and calling in his life. This shift in perception leads him to a life of gratitude and attentiveness to the good around him.

We are encouraged to adopt this mindset, to not let good things go unnoticed, and to see the world and people through the lens of God's love. This involves being present, grateful, and open to the divine in everyday moments. By doing so, we align ourselves with the Kingdom of Heaven, which is at hand, and cultivate a life filled with light and love.

Key Takeaways:

- Our perception shapes our reality. Jesus teaches that the eye is the lamp of the body, meaning our awareness and focus determine whether we are filled with light or darkness. By choosing to see with generosity and openness, we invite light into our lives. [00:54]

- Morality is not just about isolated actions but is deeply connected to how we perceive others and the world. Our emotions and biases can cloud our vision, leading us away from goodness. True moral living requires a reorientation of our perception. [02:26]

- The story of the prodigal son illustrates the transformative power of seeing differently. When the son comes to his senses, he perceives his father anew, leading to repentance and reconciliation. This change in perception is key to spiritual growth. [03:45]

- The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us about the power of compassion. While others saw an interruption, the Samaritan saw an opportunity to help. Our perception can either close us off or open us up to acts of love and kindness. [04:33]

- Gratitude and attentiveness to the good in life are essential spiritual practices. By not letting good things go unnoticed, we align ourselves with the Kingdom of Heaven and cultivate a life filled with light and love. [09:31]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:36] - The Eye as the Lamp of the Body
- [01:09] - Awareness and Attention
- [01:39] - Lessons from Chemistry Class
- [02:08] - Morality and Perception
- [03:20] - The Prodigal Son's New Vision
- [04:05] - Seeing with Compassion
- [05:03] - The Love of God and Our Vision
- [05:34] - Jaber Crow's Journey
- [06:37] - Praying with New Eyes
- [07:23] - The Mystery of Prayer
- [08:09] - Recognizing God's Love
- [09:14] - Gratitude in Everyday Life
- [10:06] - Seeing People Through God's Eyes
- [11:26] - Conclusion and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 6:22-23 - "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!"
2. Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son
3. Luke 10:25-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan

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Observation Questions:

1. In Matthew 6:22-23, what does Jesus mean by describing the eye as the "lamp of the body"? How does this metaphor relate to our perception and awareness? [00:36]

2. How does the story of the prodigal son illustrate a change in perception? What specific event leads to the son's transformation in how he views his father? [03:45]

3. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, what differences in perception are highlighted between the priest, the Levite, and the Samaritan? How does this affect their actions? [04:33]

4. How does the character Jaber Crow from Wendell Berry's novel exemplify a shift in perception and awareness? What does he learn to see differently in his life? [06:37]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean for our eyes to be "healthy" or "unhealthy" in the context of Matthew 6:22-23? How might this relate to our spiritual and moral life? [00:54]

2. How does the prodigal son's change in perception lead to his repentance and reconciliation with his father? What does this suggest about the role of perception in spiritual growth? [03:45]

3. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, how does the Samaritan's perception of the injured man differ from that of the priest and Levite? What does this teach us about compassion and moral responsibility? [04:33]

4. How does Jaber Crow's journey of seeing life with "new eyes" reflect the idea of being attentive to the good in life? What role does gratitude play in this transformation? [06:37]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where your perception might be "unhealthy" or clouded by biases? How can you work towards seeing with a more generous and open perspective? [00:54]

2. Think about a time when a change in perception led to a significant transformation in your life. What prompted this change, and how did it affect your actions and relationships? [03:45]

3. Consider the people you encounter daily. How can you practice seeing them through the lens of God's love, as the Good Samaritan did? What specific actions can you take to show compassion? [04:33]

4. Jaber Crow learned to see the blessings in his life despite his questions and doubts. How can you cultivate a practice of gratitude and attentiveness to the good things in your life? [06:37]

5. Identify a situation where you might be viewing someone or something as an "interruption" rather than an opportunity for compassion. How can you reframe your perception to align with the teachings of Jesus? [04:33]

6. How can you incorporate the practice of being present and open to the divine in everyday moments? What specific steps can you take to be more aware of God's presence in your daily life? [09:31]

7. Reflect on the idea that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. How can you align your daily actions and thoughts with this reality, and what changes might this require in your life? [08:39]

Devotional

Day 1: The Eye as the Lamp of the Body
Our perception shapes our reality. Jesus teaches that the eye is the lamp of the body, meaning our awareness and focus determine whether we are filled with light or darkness. By choosing to see with generosity and openness, we invite light into our lives. This metaphor challenges us to consider what we pay attention to and how it shapes our inner world. Our awareness, or lack thereof, dictates our actions and moral compass. When we focus on the good and the generous, we allow light to fill our lives, influencing our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. [00:54]

"The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!" (Matthew 6:22-23, ESV)

Reflection: What are you focusing on today that might be filling your life with either light or darkness? How can you shift your focus to invite more light into your life?


Day 2: Morality and Perception
Morality is not just about isolated actions but is deeply connected to how we perceive others and the world. Our emotions and biases can cloud our vision, leading us away from goodness. True moral living requires a reorientation of our perception. Iris Murdoch suggests that morality is deeply intertwined with our perception of life and others. By examining our biases and emotions, we can begin to see others more clearly and act with greater compassion and understanding. This shift in perception is essential for aligning our actions with our moral values. [02:26]

"Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment." (John 7:24, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a recent situation where your perception may have been clouded by bias. How can you reorient your perception to align more closely with your moral values?


Day 3: The Prodigal Son's New Vision
The story of the prodigal son illustrates the transformative power of seeing differently. When the son comes to his senses, he perceives his father anew, leading to repentance and reconciliation. This change in perception is key to spiritual growth. Initially, the son views his father as an obstacle, but upon coming to his senses, he sees his father in a new light, prompting repentance and reconciliation. This transformation of perception is a powerful example of how seeing differently can lead to profound personal and spiritual growth. [03:45]

"And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him." (Luke 15:20, ESV)

Reflection: Is there someone in your life you need to see differently? How might a change in perception lead to healing or reconciliation in that relationship?


Day 4: Seeing with Compassion
The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us about the power of compassion. While others saw an interruption, the Samaritan saw an opportunity to help. Our perception can either close us off or open us up to acts of love and kindness. By choosing to see with compassion, we can transform ordinary moments into opportunities for extraordinary love. This shift in perception allows us to act as conduits of God's love, bringing light and healing to those around us. [04:33]

"But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion." (Luke 10:33, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you saw an interruption instead of an opportunity for compassion. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future?


Day 5: Gratitude in Everyday Life
Gratitude and attentiveness to the good in life are essential spiritual practices. By not letting good things go unnoticed, we align ourselves with the Kingdom of Heaven and cultivate a life filled with light and love. This involves being present, grateful, and open to the divine in everyday moments. By doing so, we align ourselves with the Kingdom of Heaven, which is at hand, and cultivate a life filled with light and love. This practice of gratitude transforms our perception, allowing us to see the world and people through the lens of God's love. [09:31]

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one good thing in your life that you have overlooked recently? How can you practice gratitude for it today?

Quotes


The eye is generally speaking the way that we become aware of things it's what I notice it's what I'm able to pay attention to and therefore what I will do will be informed will be guided by what it is that I'm noticing so you might think now about about your awareness what am I paying attention to what am I missing [00:01:12]

Morality moving towards or away from goodness is not something that happens in isolated occasions I liar I doubt I steal or I doubt it's actually uh a deep part of how we see our life and particularly other people all the time there is a moral Dimension to it where I am seeing people truly and um willing they're good and wanting to help them [00:02:17]

When he wants money from his father and he goes away to throw it away how does he think of about his dad he thinks about his dad as somebody who's probably severe uh probably doesn't get it an obstacle that's basically in his way that's holding on to the money that he wants that he thinks he has a right to [00:03:23]

All of a sudden the prodigal son comes to his senses and then he sees his father totally differently and he wants to go out to and say father I have sinned against you and against heaven or we might think about the story of the Good Samaritan where the priest and the levite and the Good Samaritan all in one sense see exactly the same thing [00:04:08]

The love of God will cause us to see will cause us to pay attention to things in a different way so how's your be alert to this in this moment right now God is present God is giving gifts to you and me each moment uh I I finished reading recently one of the best novels I have ever read is called jber Crow [00:05:07]

Jaber Crow learns to see with new eyes and even though his questions about God remain as he looks back on his life he can see that he was he says lucky and blessed and called called to be a barber uh and led he makes this determination is an old man he says I try not to let good things pass by unnoticed [00:06:07]

I began to seek first the kingdom of God now there again our vision your eyes look for it you might miss it be alert to this people this is chemistry this is heaven this is God it doesn't mean that you will see it all the time love how he describes this process praying is like lying awake at night afraid with your head under the cover [00:06:52]

Sometimes you just trustfully and easily pass into the other world of sleep sometimes the bird finds that what looks like an opening is an opening and it flies away sometimes the shut door opens and you go through it into the same world you were in before in which you belong as you did not belong before [00:07:42]

He writes that his mistake before was not in having questions those are part of life he says my mistake was ignoring all those verses that say God loves the world and he begins to see it and towards the very end of the book love these words he says this is a book about heaven now it's a very ordinary very Earthbound very human book [00:08:09]

Try not to let any good thing go unnoticed this is simply being grateful uh in all circumstances in creation for the sun com up today for a tree for a blade of grass for a barking dog for a flower for a leaf for food for your body for your mind if it's working anywhere near right for clothes on your back for shoes on your feet [00:09:19]

Rethink reconsider look at again at every person that you see today and ask yourself what does God see when God sees this person opportunities for this happen all the time yesterday I took my car in to get it washed I had gotten a uh coupon for a free car wash but I didn't notice till I was taking it in that it had expired [00:10:01]

I just step back to think about them as not just an interruption not just an irritation this is somebody God loves this may be somebody uh whose character is way more honest way more glorious contains way more Heaven than I do than mine does be alert to this people this is chemistry this is a book about heaven [00:11:03]

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Transcript
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