First Discourse in Matthew: The Sound Eye

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! ~ Matthew 6:22-23
Oh! that gentleness! how far more potent is it than force!” ~ Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

Have you ever noticed someone who you could just tell was kind or gentle by the look in their eyes?

 Have your ever looked into the eyes of someone who projected calm just by the their gentle gaze?

 When you fell in love, was there something in the eye your partner that let you know you were beloved?  

 How did that make you feel?

 My grandmother had these bright, clear blue eyes that crinkled in the corners when she smiled - which was practically all the time. She had only to look at me with the love that was etched in them for me to feel safe and at peace.

 In Tanzania I became friends with a gentleman who worked for the Lutheran Church there in trying to fix agricultural problems in the country. His deep brown eyes had that same clear, bright kindness that my grandmother's did.

 I've also seen eyes that have narrowed and shown a different kind of light than what Jesus is talking about here: a light or fire or anger. I've seen darkness and coldness even in the lightest of eyes.

 What does gentleness look like? Do you know it when you see it?

 Are eyes really the window of the soul? Do they show gentleness or coldness?

 What does your gaze say about you?

 How does the look in our eyes bring comfort to those around us?

 Jesus fixed his gaze with love on everyone he encountered. People even like the rich young man who didn't want to give up his fortune.

 And his gaze of love and gentleness changed hearts and minds more than anger or judgment ever could.

 Who is it you will see today? Who will cross your gaze?

 Can you look at them with love and gentleness no matter who they are?
Meditation: Spend a few moments thinking of the people you will cross paths with. Fix your gaze upon them in your mind and in your heart so that you are prepared to soften your gaze up them.

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