What did Jesus see when he looked at his mother for the first time?
What did Mary see as she took in the form of her newborn?
What does it mean to look at something with fresh eyes?
How can we learn to see what “isn’t there,” but is still real?
My prayer
May I look to discover what is in front of me, not what I imagine will be there or think must be there. Teach me to see what is true, I pray.
Scriptural Touchstone:
Do you see persons wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for fools than for them.
Proverbs 26:12 NRSV
Invitation to Pray:
Imitate one or more of the sets of eyes in the image below as you pray, “May I see with Your eyes, God. Teach me to see anew.”
Photos:
These images are from the nativity sculptures (1521-1535, attributed to Jehan Soulas) in the Chartres Cathedral.
The photo at the top of this page can be found on page 10 in Chapter One of Visions of Mary: Art, Devotion, and Beauty at Chartres Cathedral. More information about these sculptures can be found in Jouanneaux, Françoise. 2000. Le Tour du Chœur de la Cathédrale de Chartres. Orléans: Association Régionale pour l’Étude du Patrimoine de la Région Centre.
To Explore Further:
Look inside Visions of Mary (Introduction and Chapter One). Available at Amazon, Paraclete Press, and Barnes and Noble
Interested in buying the book in volume? Contact Sister Estelle at Paraclete Press for pricing options.
Visit Jill’s website on the Chartres Cathedral.
Posts with images shown in Visions of Mary: Art, Devotion, and Beauty at Chartres Cathedral (1) The Blue Virgin Window at Chartres; (2) Looking Towards God; (3) Notre Dame de Chartres; (4) An Angel’s Perspective; (5) Mary’s Example; (6) Questioning; (7) Really?; (8) Wrapped in Love; (9) Devotion; (10) Lifted; (11) There’s More…; (12) Celebrating Life; (13) Blessing; (14) Silent Grief; (15) Embodied Support
Pray with Jill Geoffrion 
Thank you so much. I went back into the cathedral for the first time since lockdown last Thursday for Vespers. I missed you on our bench.
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