“The eyes of the world see no further than this life, as mine see no further than this wall when the church door is shut.? The eyes of the Christian see deep into eternity.” (St. John Vianney)
You’ve all heard the expression, “Seeing is believing”.? It reminds us of the emphasis we place on our senses.? From an early age, we are taught that if we can see, touch or feel something, then it exists.? While this approach will help us to survive in the world, it can sometimes get in the way of our faith.
As Catholics, we are often called to believe what we don’t see.? The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, sacramental grace, the power of prayer and the reality of Heaven are all invisible to our worldly eyes, but can be “seen” with the eyes of faith.? Seeing in this manner will help us to lives our lives as people who realize that this life is only temporary.
Provided through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, this special kind of “vision” allows us to see God’s presence, even in the unpleasant and difficult things that occur in our daily lives.? It is this “vision” which helps us to be nice to?people even when we don’t feel like it, knowing that this is how we?attain our salvation.? It is this “vision” which allows us to remain peaceful when all looks dark, knowing that all will work out “in the end”.? It is this “vision” which guided Mary, Abraham, Moses and so many others who trusted even when their earthly eyes could only see darkness!
