Wide-eyed – January 10, 2025

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 138, 139:1-17(18-23); PM Psalm 147
Isa. 65:1-9; Rev. 3:1-6. John 6:1-14

This year on Christmas Day, we struggled to get a family picture that had everyone’s eyes open. So, we tried a silly thing: a group photo with thirteen pairs of closed eyes! After that one, we took another wacky photo with our eyes opened as wide as possible. I was surprised by how challenging it was to stay big-eyed as the timer counted down from 10 before snapping an image. We had to try a couple of times to get a good shot. Several present were similarly bemused at the discomfort of keeping their eyes open for a protracted period…and all for the cause of funny family photos.

As I sit with today’s gospel, I think about the wide-eyed crowd following Jesus as he heals and teaches and feeds the masses. They don’t want to miss a move of this miraculous, compassionate man. The throngs of people see Jesus’ actions and realize he is special. There is something big happening. They see his movements as signs. They begin to believe and say publicly, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”

Keeping our eyes open and watchful is not easy. We get stretched. We are more likely to see the hard corners of life where struggle is inescapable. It can be exhausting and demoralizing. We also are apt to see stories of hope - spaces of grace, healing, and reconciliation. Through all of those inputs, we have opportunities to perceive and share truth more clearly.

Join me in praying that God will give us courage to open our eyes and hearts widely in the days to come – so that we see and draw near to the world around us. So that we pray for those in need. So that we seek ways to be with those who are hurting and doubting and hungry. So that we can see the footprints of Jesus walking alongside us.

If you are curious about an innovative way to open your eyes to Christian faith in a small group setting, Saint Stephen’s is hosting a midday Monday offering of Sam Wells' "Being With" curriculum that kicks off at the end of January. No special knowledge or credentials are required to participate; all you bring is a willingness to share what you have learned in life to date. Want to learn more? An information session will be held on Monday, January 13, at 11:30 a.m. in the chapel at Saint Stephen’s. Let me know if you are interested in joining me!

With God's help,

Katherine+

Questions for Self-Reflection and Daily Challenge:

I wonder how the huge crowd fed by the barley loaves described in John 6:1-14 felt and lived in the days following that surprising picnic of abundance.

How would your eyes be opened differently? What do you imagine remaining unchanged in your life? What might shift through an encounter with Jesus?