Open Your Eyes

A Life of God-Worship

Matthew 6:22-23 THE MESSAGE

[Jesus said,] “Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a musty cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!”

ponder this

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses the metaphor of the eyes being the body’s windows (or in other translations, the eye as a lamp) to illustrate how our spiritual perception affects our entire being. Just as our eyes enable us to see the physical world, our spiritual eyes (our perception, understanding, and priorities) determine how we view life and engage in the world around us.

for reflection

1. How could the imaginative practice of gazing through God’s eyes allow you to see in new ways?
2. What small details do you sometimes miss with your own eyes?
3. What can you do today to soak up more of God’s light and open the windows of your eyes?

sensory cue

Rub your hands together, feel the warmth that is generated, then close your eyes and place your palms over your eye sockets. There should be no pressure from your hands. Offer a blessing for your eyes, and ask God to help you continue to see anew this day. Rest with your eyes closed and palms over your eyes for anywhere from one to ten minutes. Return to the world with fresh eyes and an open mind.

closing prayer

Lord,

Give me fresh eyes to see you, this day and always.

Amen.