Daily Reflections ...

In today’s gospel Jesus criticises those cities which, despite his performance of numerous miracles, failed to repent. When pondering their failure to turn to him, I thought of the story I heard recently about that old hymn, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus”.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace”.

These magnificent words were written in 1918 by Helen Lemmel.  She was a gifted poet and songwriter who, throughout her life, endured an illness that left her blind.  In spite of this though, it’s clear that the eyes of her heart saw things with great clarity. 

Helen knew the power of a repentant heart, and she knew that turning to Jesus is something we all need encouragement to do.  That’s because, though it may not seem like far, the 180-degree turn towards Jesus can be the biggest journey we ever make and one that many of us will need to embark on over and over again each day.  Just like the people in today’s gospel, we too can stubbornly keep our backs to Jesus.  Like them, we also have attachments in our life that we know would pale in the light of Jesus’ gaze. 

Today, let’s listen to the encouragement of our friend Helen.  Let’s turn again towards Jesus and allow Him gaze upon all that we are, knowing that, in God’s face, there is mercy, grace, love and freedom.

by Chantale Wilson