Seeing Through Others’ Eyes
Welcome to the Holy Post Voter Guide. As we enter into the 2024 election, many of us are feeling anxious. We're worried about the growing political and cultural divisions in our society, in our churches, and even within our own families. When we focus on the potential problems it becomes easy to lose sight of what matters most—Jesus Christ and his call to love our neighbors.
Our situation reminds me of John the Baptist in Luke 7. He's awaiting execution in Herod's dungeon, far away from the action in Jerusalem and Galilee. He can't see Jesus, and he can't see hope, so John is filled with doubt. But in his doubt, John does something wise–he asks for help. He sends his disciples to Jesus with a question: Are you really the Messiah?
Jesus' response is beautiful. He doesn't rebuke John for his doubts. He doesn't give him a lecture about theology or scripture. Instead, he sends the disciples back with a simple instruction, "Tell John what you have seen." Jesus recognized that in that dark, distant place, John couldn't see the goodness of God. He could not recognize all of the signs of God's kingdom Jesus was revealing. John needed help. He needed to see through the eyes of others. He needed his friends, and so do we.
In 2024, it will be easy to doubt. We may be tempted to despair. Like John, as we see the problems all around us, we may ask: Is Jesus really the One? During this election, we will need to borrow other's eyes. Of course, that's what our local, incarnate Christian friends and churches are for. But, in a small way, we hope the Holy Post community will help you see God's goodness and kingdom as well.
That's the goal of this Voter Guide. It's another way of seeing through the eyes of others—Holy Post pundits, guests, and hosts—as we encourage one another with prayers and practices. And as you catch glimpses of Christ and come to see your neighbors more clearly, we hope you'll bless others trapped in doubt and disillusionment by telling them what you have seen.
Resources
Prayer of the Week
Our God, in whom we trust, strengthen us not to regard overmuch who is for us or who is against us, but to see to it that we be with you in everything we do.
Amen
—Tomas A Kempis 1379-1471