St. Matthew Catholic Church

Weekly Message     

Seeing as God Sees

Dear brothers and sisters,   

      Laetare Sunday, “rejoice” reminding us that our Lenten observance is moving toward a joyful and glorious moment. We are invited to see people as God sees! Jesus sees the blind man, approaches him, makes mud, anoints his eyes, and sends him to wash; he washed and he sees. His physical sight is restored instantly, but his spiritual sight grows gradually. First, he calls Jesus “the man”, then “a prophet”, then he said, “Lord, I believe.” and worships Him. Sight unfolds in stages. But the real blindness is the Pharisees who refuse to believe God is at work.

     When Samuel went to anoint King David, he could not see as God saw. God corrected him: “Not as man sees does God see, … Lord looks into the heart.” David is overlooked. Left in the fields. Yet he is the chosen one.

     Once two applicants were interviewed: one with an impressive résumé, the other with an ordinary résumé but a humble story of caring for a sick parent. Though the first looked perfect on paper, the second showed depth and perseverance. In time, the “perfect” candidate struggled with teamwork, while the quieter one became the steady heart of the office. He saw himself humbly as God saw him.

     St. Francis was spiritually blind. His conversion did not happen in a single dramatic moment. It unfolded. He heard Christ speaking from the crucifix. At first, he understood it to rebuild the Church; later he saw it clearly.

     St. Paul tells, “You were once “darkness, but now you are the light.” Not “in darkness”. You were darkness. The Christian life is not merely believing correctly. It is walking in the light - seeing as God sees us; thus living joy-filled.

Blessings!

Msgr. Xavier Pappu
                     Insert:  Giving to God/Dar a Dios.pdf

                                    Please pray for vocations to the priesthood,
                              for the Priests of our Diocese; & for our Bishop.

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