Jesus' eyes

I can never listen to the Passion narrative without wondering what Peter saw when he looked into the eyes of Jesus in the courtyard.

Eyes are a wonderful thing. In an urban area most people avert their eyes from other people - it is a protective mechanism - our eyes say a lot about who we are and what we are thinking. But in the courtyard, after Peter's denial, Jesus looks at Peter directly.

When I ponder those eyes of Jesus I have always seen disappointment - until, that is, today. In this reading of the Passion narrative that disappointment was there but overwhelmingly I saw acceptance. This acceptance was not a passive allowing of Peter's actions, or of anyone else's. This acceptance is an active invitation from one who has chosen a path - Jesus who is walking in humility.

"I know you," He seems to say to Peter in that one moment. "I know you and still I love you." The devastation then is, not simply the betrayal, but accepting the forgiveness which comes from The Christ.

Allowing disappointment means we can write ourselves off, see ourselves as never good enough, opt out a little around the edges. But when, in the face of our vilest actions, Jesus looks at us and says - "You are exactly who I want" - that takes some dealing with.