borrowed eyes.

Christian theologian Dorothee Soelle writes, "What really happens in mystical union is not a new vision of God but a different relationship with the world-- one that has borrowed the eyes of God... God calls upon the soul to give away its own ears and eyes and to let itself be given those of God. Only they who hear with other ears can speak the mouth of God. God sees what elsewhere is rendered invisible and is of no relevance. Who other than God sees the poor and hears their cry? To use God's senses does not mean simply turning inward but becoming free for a different way of living life: See what God sees! Hear what God hears! Laugh where God laughs! Cry where God cries!"

So, often we think of spiritual experience, especially those we name as mystical, as deeply inward and personal. A moment where we are one with God. I love how Soelle turns this on it's head. For her, to be one with God, means turning outward toward the world. It means to see others, not just yourself, with new eyes. The heart of Christian spirituality is not merely a personal interaction between ourselves and God, but a transformation of our interaction with everyone and everything. It is literally a new way of seeing and being in the world.

For this week, I am making a goal of praying this simple prayer each day: "God, help me to see what you see. Help me to borrow your eyes. Amen."