Fresh Eyes
Years ago, there was a fashion tip circulating that went something like, if you want to see what others see, stand in front of the mirror with your eyes closed, and notice what your freshly opened eyes are drawn to. That supposedly, is what people see first. We may not typically see what others do see, because we have found ways to avoid looking there. While I do not pretend to always follow this advice in fashion or otherwise, it is helpful to look upon what has become “normal” to us with fresh eyes.
Occasionally, I have the opportunity to sit in a sanctuary other than my own. I notice the windows, the art, the words, the atmosphere. I also notice the faces, the ages, the hymns, the words. What seems clear to me as a visitor for weddings, or funerals, or as a vacationer, causes me to reflect on the church experience where I serve. Fresh eyes are a good thing.
Sometimes, I think positively about the effectiveness of the message, the theological implications, the use of music or the welcome. Then there are times when I absolutely see why the generations that followed mine are mostly absent. I leave thinking it’s been a long time since fresh eyes had input here. In those moments I am aware of how our words, tone, assumptions, and dismissal of or ignorance about the very real issues young people face, is palpable.
Recently, in my living room, a conversation about what church is all about these days came to a close with this conclusion. Like Sears retail chain, while once relevant, we have been closed to the changes in society, in family needs and in appeal for so long, that recovery may be all but impossible. I am not kidding when I say that often, my role as minister is in offering palliative care to parishioners and the institution. Yet, I want to argue, the story does not change. The core message of following Jesus, of grappling with the issues of discrimination, imbalance, rejection and exclusion are as real today as they were when Jesus demonstrated what the kin-dom of God could really look like. Packaging may need to change as the where and why and how of spiritual fulfillment is ever evolving.
As the liturgical year draws to a close, (Advent is the beginning of a new year in the church) the focus is on Jesus as he makes his way, ever closer to the cross. Each week the readings area reminder of the length to which Jesus is prepared to go, so that people will imagine what might be possible for humanity and live into God’s dream for God’s people. It was not a popular message for the religious establishment or for the rulers of the day. His radical love evident to the end of his life, offers a fresh way to experience new life. A faith for today needs to be reminded about the promise of resurrection, rather than losing the story by sticking to tradition. Fresh eyes could see this, if we gave them the opportunity.
Rev. Donna Tourneur ministers among the people of Trinity United Church in New Glasgow.