The Heavenly Gaze
Posted On January 8, 2005
I’d like to pass along a gift I received from my son-in-law, Jason Free, just after Christmas. I pray it will bless you as it blessed me.
Christmas has passed, and I don’t know about you, but I am wiped out! Presents. Cookies. Last minute shopping. Cooking. Decorating. Cards. Overtired and over stimulated kids. Phew! It’s enough to make anyone consider hibernation.
Don’t get me wrong here; I’m not writing to bemoan the materialistic spirit of the season. No, for the most part, I believe the majority of folks really do hold the spirit of Christmas in their hearts. But between work, holiday concerts, cards and packages to be mailed, even the most centered guy or gal can get caught up in it all.
Many folks don’t realize that the Catholic Church actually celebrates Christmas for a whole eight days, culminating on January 2, the Solemnity of the Epiphany. Ah, the Magi. Now there are three guys that I really admire.
Why you ask? Because they were focused. Scripture says they “searched diligently for the child.” Unlike me, and perhaps you, overwhelmed with a long Christmas to-do list, these three guys stayed the course.
To me, the Magi embody everything that is right about Christmas. They held the proper perspective. And sought the perfect Christmas gift. I’m not referring to some discounted item that can only bring fleeting moments of happiness. The gift that they sought was “the One.”
Back to Scripture for a moment: “They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary, His mother (Mt 2:1-12). I’m no English major, but I do know that the words “seeing” and “saw” are verbs, action words, you know, something you do. Certainly the Magi did something great by bringing unique gifts. I have to believe that these three gentlemen didn’t exit stage right immediately after depositing Jesus’ birthday presents.
Remember now, these men were seekers. Focused. They stayed the course, found the Babe, and paid Him due homage. And then, it would be logical to conclude, they did something very holy … they stilled their tired bodies and simply gazed upon the Christ Child.
Have you ever gazed at someone? I’m not talking about infatuation or the gaze of “puppy love.” I’m referring to the real, deep love that knows no end. You know, the kind of gaze a tired businessman fixes on his sleeping daughter when he arrives home after a long, hard, day riddled with disappointments.
It’s 8 pm and the father is too tired to loosen his tie or even remove his suit coat. Stepping through the doorway, he instinctively heads right to his young daughter’s bedroom. He rests his tired frame on one knee while he lovingly brushes her long hair. The nightlight casts a soft, warm glow on her tender face. Kneeling by her side, he does what seems so right; he just gazes upon his little girl. Her breathing is rhythmic, and it seems to calm his frayed nerves. After a tiring day out in the cold world, there he kneels, eyes fixed on his precious child. Oh, how he cherishes her very essence!
Now that’s what I mean by gaze: to pause and look intently upon someone with love, gratitude, and awe. I’m not a Scripture scholar, but I have to believe the Magi did just that. Wouldn’t any wise man?
During this year dedicated to the Eucharist, I have a Magi assignment for you: seek Him and gaze upon Him. In classic Magi style, pay Him homage, not just for what He has done for you, but simply for Who He is. Extend beyond yourself and your own little world just for a few moments, and simply adore Him with your eyes.
And then, I dare you to do something that I believe Mary, His mother, did. Allow Him to gaze upon you. Can you even entertain the notion that He seeks you and looks upon you with eyes full of love and gratitude? Most adults are walking around this world all dried up inside. Deep down, they are thirsting for this Eternal glance. They’re literally desperate for it. Are you?
If you can imagine the worn out businessman finding the time to gaze upon his young daughter, then why not dare to ponder the Heavenly Father doing the same to you? Surely you know, in the core of your heart, that nothing (that is, no thing) will bring you lasting peace and fulfillment other than the healing gaze of your Father in Heaven.
So why wait ’till you get there? Do it now. Throw your next to-do list to the floor, and be a 21st Century Magi. Go on, wise man. Seek Him. And when you gaze upon the “Word made flesh,” forget about the perfect Christmas tree, the perfect present, or the perfect resolutions. Prepare yourself to receive what you truly want — His Perfect Love.
Yes, wise man, rejoice in your new epiphany. This intuitive grasp of reality obtained through the timeless and simple gaze of the Babe’s eyes lovingly fixed on you. And then join all the wise man of the past who marveled at the divine irony that He had the birthday, and we got the gift.