Fix our eyes on the Lord

Are my eyes fixed on the Lord, always and in all ways? The 20th and 21st Sunday Mass readings in Ordinary Time (Cycle C) call to mind the importance of focusing our gaze on God in the midst of persecution, obstacles and trials. As a result, we encounter Christ Jesus, enabling us to grow in a deeper love of God, as we strive for holiness each day.

Sank into the mud (Jer 38:4-10)

A major prophet of the Hebrew Scriptures with eyes fixed on God, Jeremiah experienced tremendous hardship as he persisted in proclaiming messages from God to the reigning king and princes of Judah. Rather than respond to his warning of the impending conquer of Judah by the Babylonians, the princes of that time had him imprisoned and subsequently placed in the cistern below ground. There he literally sank in the mud. Imagine trying to warn people of life-threatening danger, in this case turning their backs on God, only to be thrown in the mud pit. 

When have you talked with another who has gone astray from God, only to be pushed away? Did you persist or give up? Jeremiah, fixed on God’s truth, endured, as the king finally lifted him out of the mud hole and secretly listened. You are invited to read the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah in its entirety. There you will learn the rest of the story, which is a powerful inspiration of faith in God.

Eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb 12:1-4)

The author of the Book of Hebrews uses the analogy of a foot race, popular in early Christian times, to encourage perseverance among believers. This is possible when we fix our eyes on Jesus. The author refers to a “cloud of witnesses,” those gone before us in faith who remained faithful to God.  They are active spectators, applauding, shouting, cheering for our endurance to remain steadfast during the trials of life. 

Noted is the foremost obstacle, which weighs us down: sin that clings so closely. The enemy prowls, like a wild animal waiting to pounce. Sin surrounds us, taking a foothold. In his “Commentary on Hebrews,” St. Thomas Aquinas writes, “The occasion of sin that is present all around us, that is in the work, in the flesh, in our neighbor and in the devil, is like a weight hindering our movement, reducing our agility and being something to shed.”

We are to “run with perseverance” the long race, which calls for endurance and ability to cope with pain and fatigue caused by sin. Just as in a race, we need to shed everything that cramps our movements, same as in struggles of life. If we want to run towards God, we need to shed all useless weight. The weight is the sin we have committed that pulls us downward and inclines us to sin again. St. Josemaria Escriva says, “Anything that does not lead to God is a hindrance. Root it out and throw it far from you.”

We fix our gaze on Jesus, similar to how a runner is focused once the race has begun, letting NOTHING distract us from reaching the final destination. St. Thomas Aquinas says, “If you want to be saved look at the face of your Christ. Jesus is the pioneer/cause/initiator of our faith, as he marked out the path, took the lead, opened the way and set the pace. Everything Christ did in his life is a perfect example for us to follow, most particularly in his Passion: he gave up joy; he suffered, endured the cross and merited salvation.” 

How will we respond? What is my gaze fixed upon and how is it guiding my thoughts, actions, and decisions? Do I make the time to fix my gaze upon Jesus in adoration?

The fire of his love (Lk 12:49-53, 13:22-30)

The Gospel readings from St. Luke turn our gaze toward the fire of God’s love. Jesus illuminates this fire for us with the fervor of his love for humanity. He greatly desires us to know and receive his love, enough so that it “sets the earth ablaze.”

This fiery love may cause division, as Jesus’ teachings still do today. The contradictions are, in fact, an invitation to know and grow in trust of the truth that is from God alone. As disciples, we are to commit to the serious work of missionary activity, proclaiming truth, goodness, conversion and reconciliation, not just when it is convenient, or without pushback, but all the time. Obstacles and naysayers, even among family and friends, are to be expected. Am I willing to persevere in the truth, despite all obstacles? Have I set my goal of eternity, as I run on the path of faith? Am I open to accompanying others on the same journey who may have strayed off the path?

Jesus prepares us for entry into the “gate” stating, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” What will give us strength to enter the narrow gate? Thinking about Jesus as our guide,  following him means: living a life centered on prayer, expecting answers; asking for strength from the Holy Spirit; actively participating in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist; praying with the Bible; being a person of peace; living the beatitudes; being aware of others; desiring for what is good, holy and beautiful; having a fiery love of God and others within your heart; being vulnerable in order to invite others to the table of the Lord; offering sacrificial love; being understanding and humble;  embracing mercy; learning more about the lives of the saints in glory. 

Fixing our eyes on Jesus is a challenge in today’s time, where so much is pulling at our gaze. Yet in prayer and with love it is possible to disregard the distractions and behold a 20/20 vision of Jesus, the face of God. 

Dow is the director of the Office of Catechesis and Evangelization for the Diocese of Baton Rouge.