Jesus, I See You - June 26
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 102; PM Psalm 107:1-32; Num. 20:1-13; Rom. 5:12-21; Matt. 20:29-34
We each hold different images of Jesus. He is portrayed as a shepherd, teacher, healer, son, friend, redeemer, and more. There’s one image I’ve been blind to, and that is the image of liberator. I must admit that I initially resisted the image of liberator because it feels emotionally charged and makes me feel defensive. Yet, this expanded imagery is an important part of my formation that has surprised me with new insights about my relationships with God and neighbor. I had the privilege of developing this new vision even more when I went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land for two weeks right after Christmas. We were able to keep up with the news of the emerging coronavirus, yet the focus of the pilgrimage never shifted from the purpose of Jesus’ life on earth and walking the path of some of the most important moments of his ministry, including his death and resurrection.
One of the last few mornings we were there, another pilgrim and I took advantage of our free time to go back to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This is where the site of the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, the stone of anointing, the empty tomb, and the paschal fire are located. We spent time reflecting on our journey and praying together. The most profound moment was witnessing the prayers as people flowed through these spaces, especially the stone of anointing. I could sense their faith and trust in the power and mercy of Jesus as people would kneel down to kiss the stone and pray. I joined in praying and I can still remember the feeling of kneeling among other faithful people, smelling the fragrance of myrrh oil from the stone, and hearing the multitude of prayers and foot shuffles of the people surrounding me.
This experience of pilgrimage and prayer took me beyond reading about Jesus to seeing, walking, hearing, smelling, and feeling the places I’ve studied and opening my heart and mind to a richer understanding of his purpose. The sense of knowing things in my mind shifted to a special knowing in my heart and soul also. Jesus liberates us from our sinfulness and oppression through forgiveness, healing, teaching, and directing our lives. I have discovered that I am oppressed, myself, by my sins, and I depend upon Jesus for liberation. Matthew’s passage about Jesus healing the sight of the two along the way from Jericho reminds me of my own sight being healed and the power of prayer. The good news I have for you is that you do not have to travel across the globe to encounter Jesus because he is ready to meet you along your journey wherever you are and eager to be in dialogue about what you need to be healed and made whole.
-- Susan Oakes, Seminarian
Susan Oakes is a rising senior at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. This summer, she is serving as a seminarian intern at Saint Stephen's, her sponsoring parish for ordination.
Questions for Self-Reflection:
What image comes to mind when you think of Jesus?
What image do you resist, and why?
Daily Challenge:
Consider your prayer life and what you to ask of Jesus to do for you through faith.