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by Rev. Fr. V.V. Paulose, Toronto, Canada
"But Peter said, "Man, I don't know what you are talking about." Then the Lord turned around and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter went outside and cried bitterly." (Luke 22:60-62)
Do you expect a look without any accusation?
A look can change a life...a look without any judgement and condemnation. This look has to be a look of love which can bring about a complete change in one's life. God created eyes to see and we should look at everything in love. The most trusted friend selected by Jesus denied not knowing Him at the crucial moment. Jesus looked at Peter with piercing, discerning eyes not to punish him, but to show that Jesus still cared and would save him. His look was not one of disappointment, but a look of sympathy and mercy. There is no punishment for sin because sin is its own punishment devouring you from inside. So, Peter burst into tears. He then wailed violently - a visible, audible and wrenching sob. A totally broken man with shame and guilt. The people around us can give a look accusing or resenting us when we err or sin, but the Creator always looks at us with the 'look of love' that brings about a change in us.
Sixteen year old Max Lucado was totally drunk at a week-end party. "I stumbled in the bathroom at midnight and vomited a belly full of beer. Dad appeared at the door, very angry. He threw a washrag in my direction and walked away. The next morning I awoke with a bad headache and the horrible awareness that I had terribly hurt my father. Walking into the kitchen, I saw him seated at the table. His paper was open, but he was not reading. His coffee cup was full, but he was not drinking. He stared at me, eyes wide with hurt, lips down turned with disbelief. More than any other time in my life, I felt the annoyance of a loving father. I came undone. How could I survive my father's disgust?
"Christ carried all our sins in his body."
"Wanted" - Upright parents with loving eyes.
Children, look in the eyes of your loving parents and live upright.
Jesus, let the people see the world with the eyes of love and not of sin. You already bear the sins and follies of human beings on your body. Let your mercy and love save everybody. We ask this in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
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