As We See
January 1, 2003
Suppose the Holy One Whose Face We Seek is not so much invisible as we are ill equipped to apprehend his grave proximity. Suppose our fixed attention serves mostly to make evident the gap dividing what is seen and what is here. The Book there on the stand proves arduous to open, entombed as it is in layers of accretion, layers of gloss applied to varied purposes, hardly any of them laudable, so many, guarded ploys to keep the terms quite still, predictable. Which is why I'm drawn-to why I love-the way the rabbis teach. I love the way they read- opening The Book with reverence for what they've found before, joy for what lies waiting. I love the Word's ability to rise again from chronic, homiletic burial. Say the One is not so hidden as we are kept by our own conjuncture blinking, puzzled, leaning in without result. Let's say the meek, the poor, the merciful all suspect His hand despite the evidence. Intent on what they touch, they see Him now. Scott Cairns is Re:generation's contributing editor for poetry. "As We See" is reprinted from Philokalia: New and Selected Poems by permission of Zoo Press and the author.
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
