New Glasses

The last time I had my eyes tested and received new glasses was after my second cataract op. in about 2003. Even though I had reminders from my optician that it was time for a retest, I thought I knew better - my sight was fine, I could read well etc.... But then decided that age actually demands some checks, so along I went. I received my new glasses on Thursday - and immediately noticed the difference! What had been a bit fuzzy in the distance was now clear; I can recognise the information being conveyed by road signs more accurately; I can read the names of streets before I get to the corner; I can hold reading material at a more comfortable distance; and I don't need to have the light falling a certain way so that I can read the small type - in fact, the small type doesn't seem to be so small anymore!!!

Then I got to thinking about the 'glasses' through which we look at life. The gospel for this week has been the Journey to Emmaus, and I was thinking about the glasses that those two pilgrims had been wearing - glasses through which they had seen Jesus as the ultimate conqueror of the Roman empire, the One to restore Israel to a place of prominence among the nations; the One to get rid of foreign rule and reinstate God on the throne of Israel.... But their hopes were dashed by his crucifixion, and they were confused by the reports of Jesus missing from the tomb in which he had been placed. The 'glasses' they wore prevented them from seeing, and therefore understanding, what was really happening.

This morning I read the short passage in Luke 12:57-59 about sorting out your problem with your opponent before you get to the courts to avoid imprisonment. When I read the following article, I was struck afresh by the importance of reconciling early on in relationships and business or other dealings. You never know what might happen when you get to court!!