[Note: Apologies to regular readers for my absence from the Journal on Monday's edition. My luggage (including computer) was stolen off my daughter's front porch while on vacation in Boston and thus I was left separated from cyberspace for a bit (until accessing a hotel computer)- and subjected to a test on my own abilities to "let go." Thanks to Liz for covering.]
A tongue-in-cheek news report on CNN recently focused on the latest experiences some people have reported of "seeing Jesus" through odd images in various locations. Included were people who claimed to see a crucified Jesus in the form of vines hanging from a telephone pole, others who saw Jesus in an outline on a dirty window and still others who reported discerning Jesus's image in a chain store doughnut and in a piece of toast (see photo at left.)
There are, of course, more serious examples of this, including the perception of images of the Virgin Mary as well as Jesus, in various locations around the world. These are often sacred experiences for the viewers, as they convert ordinary objects into representations of sacred presence.
But, caregivers don't need such pictures. To see Jesus, they need only look into the eyes of their suffering patients. They need only glance down at their own hands as they tend to the needs of the newly born, the nearly dead, and the deeply ill. Caregivers who are open see Jesus every day and night.
If we open our sacred eyes we will notice that God's Love is at our side particularly in our times of loss. Jesus delivers the most important presence Christians have in this world. As Love, he brings healing to all people whether or not they choose him as their path.
We often discover Love's unconditional presence when we feel most alone. For Jesus carries God's Unconditional Love and is with us no matter what.
-Reverend Erie Chapman
