Faces on Faith: Eyes of faith give the ability to see beneath
I had my annual check-up at the eye doctor last week. As I waited to be seen, I watched people being fitted for their new glasses. Some commented on how much better they could see with a new prescription.
I was ushered into the exam room where I read the letters projected on the wall. My eyes were scanned and dilated. The kind doctor peeked into my eyes to check the lenses, retinas and optic nerves. Some early cataract formation was his only concern.
I am grateful for all of the eye doctors who have helped me to see more clearly since I was a little boy. I needed glasses early in my life. I cannot imagine what it would have been like to go through life without them.
I am also grateful for all of the people who have helped me develop eyes of faith. People like my parents, my spouse, women religious, clergy, teachers, camp counselors, coaches, colleagues and friends who have helped me to see myself, others and the world around me with eyes of faith.
Most of these people were deeply immersed in the Christian story, the story of God coming among us as Jesus, who taught us about God’s unconditional love for each and every person God has made, and how we are to see others as beloved sisters and brothers. Eyes of faith give us the ability to see beneath the surface, to see those who are very different from us as beloved children of God. Eyes of faith help us to see the created world around us as God’s gift to us, and as one of the myriad of ways that we can see and know God.
In a world where we are taught to see (and even to fear) differences based on age, race, class, gender identity, sexuality, religious affiliation, political party, et cetera, people of faith are called to see ourselves and others as beloved of God. We are to see beneath the surface to what lies within ourselves and our neighbor: the image of God (Gen. 1: 26a). A God who is as unique and diverse as the people God has made and who calls us to love one another unconditionally.
The Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss is the rector at Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church.