Third Sunday after Pentecost; The Holy, Glorious, All-Praiseworthy and Chief Apostles Peter and Paul.
Romans 5:1-10; 2 Corinthians 11:21-12:9; Matthew 6:22-33; Matthew 16:13-19.
Read Matthew 6:22-33
Perspective makes all the difference. Who and what we look at matters but how we look at them can make each of us see very different things. We all have a point of view. To the extent that it is informed, well-founded, and renewed, the perspectives each of us brings to things can help us all see better. But sometimes we get in the way of ourselves and the perspective we already hold can prevent us from seeing what else could be right in front of us. Or who else.
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus warns us about different ways we listen that can keep us from really hearing. Likewise, in today’s gospel, there is a way our “eye” can be that can make us blind. But, just as in the Parable of the Sower, Jesus isn’t talking about our eyes or ears, he is talking about our hearts.
Our commitment to how we already see things can be faithfulness to the truth. That is commendable. But some of the people Jesus spoke these words to thought they were being faithful to the truth but they were not seeing who Jesus is, even when he was right in front of him.
Jesus says that even today he is right in front of us, to be seen in people around us. “As you do it to one of the least of these my brothers, you do it to me.” Let us not miss him because of perspectives he may want us to bring to him for reexamination.