Restoration to Wholeness
“It is clear from Jesus’ teachings, his ministry of healing, and his passion that he deeply desires our restoration to wholeness. There are many means through which this restoration occurs, including everything from therapy to active service to the humblest members of his family, but contemplating the face of Christ is perhaps the most direct and intensive form of healing. Further, as I have mentioned elsewhere, the gaze at Christ motivates service to others, because after staring into that light, you keep seeing and loving it everywhere you look.”
Susan R. Pitchford, The Sacred Gaze: Contemplation and the Healing of the Self (Liturgical Press, 2014), p. 19. Susan is a sociologist at the University of Washington and a professed member of the Third Order, Society of St. Francis. The Third Order is a religious community for people who wish to follow the Franciscan way “in the world,” that is, within the families and occupations where one finds themselves. Visit her website: Susan Pitchford
