“I have no eyes but yours” (04/04/2024)

Larst evening, at our faith formation class with the 6th graders, after studying the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, I asked them to think about these things and decide on one thing they would ask the LORD specifically that night for in prayer. Then they shared their answers: end hunger; end homelessness; cure cancer; restore happiness; etc. Then I asked them to add to their prayer the question, “How can I be part of your will?”

We talked for a bit afterwards about the fact that the LORD’s answers to our prayers often come through others, through their gifts and talents spent lovingly in service to the LORD and to one another. I asked them to consider that perhaps the desire within their hearts and minds for these good things are part of the LORD’s call to them to be instruments of His love here on earth. Could they be the beginnings of a calling to a particular profession or vocation.

I was taught years ago that most often we don’t need a miracle to make things right, we need the gift of cooperation with the Spirit who is already at work in the world for the good of us all. We are the miracles, the instruments the LORD taps to bring loving kindness, goodness, healing, sustenance, companionship to others. And it’s not just in the choice of our walks in life or careers, it’s in every facet of our lives.

If you’ve read my blog for long, you know I pray the Prayer for Peace twice daily, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow peace; where there is injury, pardon…” I pray it at the beginning of the day to remind me that I am meant to be one who in faith, with hope, fueled by love is meant to be instrumental in the LORD’s divine design. And every night I use that same prayer as my examination of conscience. How did I do? When I encountered hatred, how did I respond?

I have a second saint’s insights that inspire me deeply; St. Teresa of Avila wrote:

Christ has no body but yours,

No hands, no feet on earth but yours.

Yours are the eyes with which He looks

Compassion on this world,

Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good,

Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world.

Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,

Yours are the eyes, you are His body.

Christ has no body now  on earth but yours.

As we continue on our journey in faith, hope and love during this Easter season, let us be vigilant in looking upon others as Christ would because we have been called to love one another as Christ has loved us. What is Christ calling us to do? What is Christ calling us to be for Him and for others? Are we the “miracle” Christ sends to the moment of need for others?

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.