“If a man [or woman] born blind were told about the nature of the colour yellow, he would understand absolutely nothing, no matter how much instruction he received. Since he never saw these colours, nor their like, he would not have the means to form a judgment about them. Only their names would be grasped, since the names are perceptible through hearing, but note that the former image, because these colours are never seen by him. Such is faith to the soul. It informs us of matters that we have never seen or known, either in themselves or in their likenesses.” –John of the Cross, Ascent of Mount Carmel Book 2 Chapter 3
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi, the blind man said, “I want to see!” –Mark 10:50-52 (NLT)
Jesus, I want to see
the way I instantly saw one day
that eating mostly plants
slows climate change.
Seeing that changed me.
I want to see and be freed
to be kind.
I want
this conversation to enlighten,
that problem to push open
the stuck door of belief.
I want to sink
into my embodied soul
and feel
what my colour-blind mind
can’t comprehend.
I want to see
what others see
when they see
me
and imagine how I could bear
that much seeing.
I want to see what can’t be seen:
divine union
wholeness
loving God with my all my heart, soul, mind and strength.
But I can’t make myself see
any more than Bartimeus could.
You didn’t tell him
he’s been doing it wrong,
add an “If only …”
or say, “I wish you would have …”
You simply
saw him,
included him
and opened his eyes.
And you see me.
Me: It’s good to see you.
Mitch: It’s good to be seen.
–what’s said every time I see Mitch.
∗ ∗ ∗
Katharine Hayhoe is an atmospheric scientist and professor of political science and director of the Climate Science Center at Texas Tech University and Cheif Scientist of the Nature Conservancy. She is also a mother, evangelical Christian, and author of Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World. She was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People for her work as a climate scientist and communicator. You may also want to listen to this interview with her on On Being with Krista Tippett in an episode called, “Our future is still in our hands.”
What love mischief are you and God doing for the world?
Let me know and I will include it in an upcoming post.
An Everyday Pilgrim 