The Eyes Have It

I never get quite enough Christmas. Liturgically, this week we are still singing Christmas songs. Poinsettias still decorate the altar. Yet we have already abandoned the infancy stories. In today’s reading,  Joseph uproots his family to flee to Egypt to keep the holy child safe.  Does the glow of “Silent Night, Holy Night” have to dissolve into the shadows quite so quickly?

Jesus was born into a messy world. In my mind, I know that. In my heart, I don’t want that. 

A glimmer of insight came to me when I noticed a painting by  Federico Barocci. In the Rest on the Flight to Egypt (c.1570), Mary sits in the center of the Holy Family. She looks to the left, as though to draw attention away from herself. St. Joseph hovers above her. He reaches out his fingers to place a twig into the fist of Jesus, a chubby toddler. The leading line in the painting is that connection between father and son. The dawning sun rises in the background. That light is reflected in the bearded man’s eyes as they shimmer with tenderness for the child. The eyes of the baby gleam back with love. A placid donkey looks on. Had they just barely escaped Herod’s bloodbath?  Is there anxiety in Joseph’s heart? This paints a picture of calm. Jesus doesn’t look old enough to talk, but he shoots Joseph a playful grin as though to say, “Daddy, don’t worry. We are here together.” 

In mutual love, there is calm amidst the messiness—holy rest,  Christmas peace. It doesn’t fade away. We find it in family. We find it in friendship. We find it in the solidarity of community. We find it in  Jesus’ gleam: “Don’t worry. We are in this together.” 

Consider/Discuss 

• We yearn for peace, but life can be messy. What is in Jesus’ eyes when he looks at us? How can we be enveloped by Christmas peace through that loving gaze? 
• Much of togetherness is communicated with the eyes, both in family relationships and in friendship. Storytellers suggest looking at people with two seconds of loving eye contact. Try that tender attention this week and see how family and friends respond. 

Living and Praying with the Word 

Jesus our Savior, you lived through all of the messiness of human  life. You know more of trauma than we could ever imagine. Yet  you have not abandoned us. You are here. You are with us. Help  us to put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, and love,  especially in our families. Strengthen the bond of perfection in all  of our relationships. This flight of faith is challenging. We cannot do  it without you. Thank you for abiding with us and surrounding us  with your gleam of love.