The eye that sees beyond self

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary provoke self examination. Paul explains to the Corinthians that even though the journal of challenging events he has experienced in pursuit of his mission could give him much to brag about, he refrains from self aggrandizement and prefers to speak of his weaknesses. The Grace he has known has been that which has overcome his pride and narrow vision and made him servant of the Word. The text today may actually seem to border on boasting, yet the witness of the Life of Paul as Apostle testifies to humility and surrender. The psalmist advocates that we turn our vision to the Lord and we shall reflect and be radiant sources of His Presence to people. The Gospel of Matthew continues the theme that the objects and goals that fill our vision reflect our life to those around us. Our needs and addictions put the pursuit of self interest and the praise of self intention at the forefront of our actions and in the view of those who see us clearly. We pause to try to see beyond self