Take Off Your Sunglasses

 ~~~ Isaiah 58:1-9a ~~~ Psalm 51 ~~~ Matthew 9: 14-15 ~~~

Have you ever noticed that whenever a person does not want to be recognized the first thing they put on is sunglasses. Celebrities are often seen being hurriedly whisked away into their waiting limo wearing sunglasses. The darkness of the tinted lens, while providing protection from harmful UV light, also hides your eyes. Eyes hidden behind these lens cannot be seen by others.

I believe your eyes are the windows into your soul, as some writers have previously stated. If your eyes are shielded from the sight of others what could that imply?

I would offer a connection between sunglasses and the words from the Isaiah reading today.

Those fasting with heads downcast covered in ashes wearing their penitential sackcloth are in fact wearing sunglasses. Their view of their world is dark, introverted and self centered. They are only looking down seeing nothing but the dirt and mud in their path. They do not look out. They do not see others. They do not make any attempt at eye contact. Eye contact at this point might be uncomfortable.

I personally dislike talking with someone wearing sunglasses precisely because I cannot see their eyes. Our eyes are so very expressive. You can tell if a person is joyful or sad by looking into their eyes. Some time ago I created a YouTube video titled Eye Gazing. It is simply suggesting that you spend time gazing into the eyes of Jesus. Meditating on his loving gaze can bring deep peace to your soul.

Today Isaiah is saying hey guys take off those dark glasses. Open your eyes. Look up and you will see what really matters to God. "What is the purpose having your eyes fixed on the ground?" asks, Jesus. Therefore, if what you are doing is ineffective I am not even going to acknowledge your actions.  

Jesus enters the scene saying, 'take off the sunglasses' and you will be able to see what I see. If you take off those dark glasses you will see those who are in most need of your attention. You know the ones you try to ignore by bowing down looking at the dirt and shading your eyes.

Look around and you will see those whom God cares most about...the oppressed, the hungry, the poor, naked, and the homeless to name a few. When you look up at these faces and into these eyes, my friends, find compassion in your heart. Take action on their behalf. Get up from your introverted ash covered penitential pieties and do something for those in need. Do something to help your brothers and sisters who are  suffering. There are opportunities all around if you but open your eyes and look.

When you reach out to those less fortunate you come to realize how blessed you are. You come to understand that hiding behind your sunglasses is not all that pleasing to God.

The Lord says, if you help those in need; when you call on me to come to your aid I will say, "Here I am!

You may find it surprising, but helping the less fortunate in our community does have a gold lining.

In the act of reaching out to help another your own burdens are lifted.

God will say to you, "Here I am1"

 So during this Lent I invite you to take off your sunglasses...

see where you can help another person in need.

 Join the psalmist...Let your sacrifice be a contrite and humble heart.