Gospel Gaze...

"For God, to gaze is to love - a gospel gaze which blazes its way into the person's heart.  He does not simply look at the beautiful; His look makes a person beautiful.

(Taken from 'The impact of God, Sounding from St. John of the Cross)

"You looked with love upon me

and deep within, your eyes imprinted grace;

this mercy set me free,

held in your love's embrace, 

to lift my eyes adoring to your face."  (Canticle stanza 32, St. John of the Cross)

I am learning to be aware that I am always under the gaze of Jesus.  When I am cleaning  or ironing my husbands shirts, instead of listening to music, I use this time to pray.  I remind myself that I am being watched by the One who loves me...and I can go 'within' my little sanctuary, all the while still doing my work and meet the eyes that are so intently watching me!  At first I had to really concentrate on REMEMBERING to do this...it's so easy to get caught up with thinking of everyday things...what am I going to make for dinner, errands I need to run, etc.  But, slowly I found how comforting it is to be under Jesus' gaze!  He loves me so much that everything I do interests Him.

"I am my Beloved's and His desire is for me."  (Song of Solomon 7:10)