St. Faustina’s diary (313) ‘Once, when I was visiting the artist [Eugene Kazimirowski] who was painting the image, and saw that it was not as beautiful as Jesus is, I felt very sad about it, but I hid this deep in my heart. When we had left the artist’s house, Mother Superior [Irene] stayed in town to attend to some matters while I returned home alone. I went immediately to the chapel and wept a good deal. I said to the Lord, “Who will paint You as beautiful as You are?” Then I heard these words: Not in the beauty of the color, nor of the brush lies the greatness of this image, but in My grace.’
The grace of Jesus shines forth from His gaze – my daughter found the ‘Prince of Peace’ painting and also remarked ‘it does not capture the beauty of His eyes.’
As I pondered on this while writing ‘I knew His Voice’ I realized that in His gaze would be all the grace and mercy of God. And in His gaze we find peace and love. This made me realize how Peter, John, Andrew and all the others could drop everything to follow Jesus.
As I sit and gaze into the eyes of my ‘Prince of Peace’ I know my heart is His. In all the trials, He has been the rock I’ve leaned on and has settled the storms raging around me. I am at peace simply because I saw Jesus look my way and ask if I would leave it all – the stress and fear – behind to follow Him.
And where You lead Lord I will follow.
Take a moment today to look around and find Jesus. Then let your gaze rest upon His eyes and listen for His call – maybe just feel Him calling.
I heard Him 9 years ago and my daughter saw and knew His Voice but it wasn’t until the recent struggles that I realized He just wants me to sit quietly and trust Him and follow where He leads.
I am there with You Lord – will you be?