How many of us look at others with the eyes of Jesus? How many ask God’s Spirit to increase our capacity for respect (which literally means to look twice)? How many look beyond the surface, like Jesus did? According to religious leaders, he was blind to who was clean and unclean, who was touchable and untouchable. Jesus ate with sinners! He touched lepers! He paid attention to annoying children! He consorted with tax collectors, notorious for extortion.
Was he blind? Of course not! Jesus saw every person through the lens of his Father love. Jesus loved everyone who approached him for help. His response to the rich young man was to look on him with love (Mark 17:21). And his encounter with the Samaritan women was based in respectful compassion.
Another example of his compassionant vision is seen in his relationship with Peter. Even after Peter’s denial, Jesus forgives Peter and singles him out for ministry. “Feed my lambs… Tend my sheep… Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17) Once again Jesus invites Peter to walk on the waters of humility and confidence based in the Father’s vision.
In the Acts of the Apostles, the disciples are also challenged to have a new respect for other, especially as they reach out to Gentiles. They must see with new eyes, like Jesus did. In Acts 9 Ananias objects to seeking out St. Paul, a known persecutor of Christians. God addresses these fears with, “Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name to the Gentiles.” (9:15) So Ananias surrenders to God’s vision of Paul.
Another example centers around Peter’s vision of ‘profane or unclean’ animals that he is instructed to eat. While he is still puzzled about this, he is invited to the home of a centurion named Cornelius, where God’s invitation to respectful vision of Gentiles becomes apparent. Peter says, “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him… he is Lord of all.” (9:34-36)
Jesus, may we see with your eyes and look beyond any prejudice or dislike. Jesus, help us take that first steps of respecting others. Give us new freedom to reach out the “unlikely” and offer the gift of faith. Amen.
Excerpt from our book, Mending Broken Relationships, Building Strong Ones.