Bing Crosby croons, “Do you see what I see?” I know it’s Lent, but that Christmas song popped into my head when I heard Sunday’s first reading. It’s a great story in 1 Samuel 16 about God telling Samuel to go to Jesse’s house to anoint the new king that God has chosen to succeed Saul. Samuel sees the oldest son and how tall and good looking he is and says, “Surely, the anointed is here.” But God tells him not to judge from appearances; that He (God) does not see as we see. He looks into the heart.
How do you see? How’s your eyesight? Do you find God in others? I like to watch people going up for communion. My wife scolds me that I shouldn’t be doing that, that I’m just eyeing them to see who’s there and complain about them wearing shorts and tennis shoes to Mass. I say I’m just looking for Jesus in them.
Do you notice God in the poor? In the beggar on the street? How about in the frumpy teen on the skateboard? Do you see Him in the 80-something-year old lady behind the steering wheel creeping into a right turn causing you and everyone behind you to slam on your breaks? Do you realize how much God loves you and how much He blesses you? Do you appreciate everything He’s given you? Do you believe God is able to provide all your needs?
When God looks into your heart, does He see your love for Him? Does He agree that you love your neighbor as yourself? When he watches your activities during the day, does He observe that He is first in your life, first with your time in prayer and Bible reading in the morning? Does He applaud your using your talents to serve others and build His kingdom? When He looks at your bank account, does He notice that He is first in your spending?
Maybe pull out that old Bing Crosby album and listen a-new. Hear the lyrics as if it is God asking you, “Do you see what I see?” and be humble and grateful that He sees us with eyes of love.
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