Seeing Others as We are Seen; Loving as We are Loved

A Reflection for Wednesday, December 17 by Rev. Eva Sullivan-Knoff

Lectionary reading for 12/17/25: Psalm 42; Zechariah 8:1-17; Matthew 8:14-17, 28-34; Selected passage for reflection: Matthew 8:14-17 (NRSVUE)

Read                                                                                            

Matthew 8:14-17 (NRSVUE) 

“When Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever; he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve him.  That evening, they brought to him many who were possessed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and cured all who were sick.  This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.”

Reflect

We will engage with this passage through imaginative prayer, not to add to or take away from the scripture, but to take it in more fully, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us. As you read each sentence, pause to allow the story to unfold.  

I invite you to slowly read through this passage again to take it in.                                             

Now I invite you to enter the scene as an observer. Through your mind’s eye, let the story unfold before you, taking it in through your senses...   As you look upon the scene, look around the room to notice who is there…   See Peter’s mother-in-law lying down, her brow fevered. Her skin was damp with perspiration. Does a cloth dampen her head to cool her skin?  What do you hear as you look upon her? Does she utter anything? Is she aware of what is going on around her, or does her sickness consume her? What do you smell? Can you detect the scent of any oils used upon her skin to bring relief? Now, observe the way that Jesus looks upon Peter’s mother-in-law. What expression is on his face? What do you see in his eyes?  See the way he touches her hand, and the way relief is immediate. What do you hear her exclaim as she rises? 

She rises to serve Jesus, busying herself in the kitchen to bring food and wine to him. As the afternoon turns to evening, there seems to be a parade of people who come to the house, so many who are sick, so many come to seek Jesus’ healing touch. The house is filled with noise now, conversations, questions, and requests. Can you hear them? The disciples are trying to order the chaos. Look at each face and how they come, the friends who brought them with hope in their eyes, the sick who come with longing in theirs. What do you see as Jesus looks each one in the eyes? What do you see in each person as Jesus heals them?

What if Jesus were to look you in the eyes now? What would he see in yours? What longing do you hold within you? What do you long to hear? Can you share your heart with him? Do you hear him speak to your longing? Remain with Him there, imagining his eyes fixed on yours for as long as you need.

Respond                                                                                       

As you move throughout the day, be aware that the Spirit dwells within you. Notice each person you encounter as Jesus did with each one in the room. See each one through His eyes, so deeply loved and cared for. Say a prayer for them in your heart. 

Rest                                                                                               

Gracious One, thank you for the loving way in which you look upon each one of us. Thank you for seeing the whole of all we are and for the depth of the way in which you care.  Grant us the eyes to look upon others as you do and to respond with love. Amen.

About the Author 

Eva Sullivan-Knoff has been in ministry for 40 years in a variety of roles. Her greatest joy has been training others in the ministry of spiritual direction and helping people to awaken to the radical hospitality of God, and that each person embodies God's divine image. Eva is a wife and mom and treasures her family.