Powers of Distortion

     “To see another human being as he really is means to lay ourselves open to his influence. Thus when fear or dislike moves us to avoid him, this reaction is already evident in our gaze; the eye characterizes him, stifling the good, heightening the bad. We discern his intentions, make swift comparisons, and leap to conclusions. All this proceeds involuntarily, if not unconsciously (in which case our powers of distortion, uncurbed by reason, so their worst). Seeing is a protective service to the will to live. The deeper our fear or distaste of a person, the more tightly we close our eyes to him, until finally, we are incapable of perception, or the profound German word for it, Wahrnehmen: reception of truth. Then we have become blind to that particular person. This mysterious process lies behind every enmity. Discussion, preaching, explanations are utterly useless. The eye simply ceases to register what is plainly to be seen. Before there can be any change, a fundamental shift must take place in the general attitude. The mind must turn to justice, the heart expand; then only can the eye really begin to discern. Little by little the sheen of the object on which it rests strengthen its visual power, and slowing it recovers the health of the truth."                
                                                                                                      The Lord, Romano Guardini


     Unfortunately, we all experience this blindness! We are either the perpetrator or the victim. We have felt stunned, as we described in lurid detail, the actions of those with whom we struggle, as our listeners are blinded to what we see as truth! While at other times, we are the ones taken aback, by the lens with which a friend perceives someone, whom we see in an entirely different light.

Embracing Sacred Silence

     “We must cultivate that sacred silence which makes people remember the words of Jesus: “See how they love one another.” How often we find ourselves speaking of the faults of another. How often our conversation is about someone who is not present. Yet see the compassion of Christ toward Judas, the man who received so much love yet betrayed his own Master. But the Master kept the sacred silence and did not betray Judas. Jesus could have easily spoken in public – as we do – telling the hidden intentions and deeds of Judas to others. But He didn't, instead He showed mercy and charity. Rather than condemning Judas, He called him friend.        Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta



     Cultivating sacred silence goes against our grain. Keeping secret the faults of others is a challenge to us. Why is it that we struggle with this so? Why can’t we be loving, compassionate, and kind instead? Why do we like to expose another’s “nakedness?” Why do we often want to betray those who have betrayed us?