Op-Ed: Seeing things differently
Leigh Pezet, Pastor, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
March 21, 2008
by Leigh Pezet
Pablo Picasso is considered by many to be the father of modern art.
Although he died in 1973 at the age of 91, his genius still influences culture. Art critic, Chad Weinard, maintains that Picasso’s notorious “Les Damoiselles D’Avignon” was one of the first advances toward cubism; a major 20th Century school of artistic expression. As I understand it, this movement called cubism was basically about presenting multiple perspectives to the viewer; different ways of seeing the same thing.
Religious commentator, Rich Heffern, writes: “Picasso declared to us: ‘You have seen thusly, but I say unto you: Look at this! See a new way!’ Jesus was fond of saying: ‘You have heard it said . . . but I say unto you . . .’ His (Jesus’) mission on earth was to change our way of looking at things. The gospels are full of this dynamic where the last shall be first; the meek shall inherit the earth; and the wide ranging, far-reaching kingdom of God is found deeply within your heart.”
Christians ought to be people who see things differently than the rest of the world. In fact, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we are able to view the world through resurrection eyes. What a tremendous gift we have been given.
A group of students was asked to list what they thought were the Seven Wonders of the World. Some of the answers were The Great Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, the Grand Canyon, etc. The teacher noted that one quiet student hadn’t turned in his paper yet, so she asked the child if he were having trouble with his list.
“Yes, a little,” he said. “I can’t quite make up my mind because there are so many.”
The teacher said, “Well, tell us what you have and maybe we can help.”
The boy hesitated, then read, “I think the seven wonders of the world are: 1) to touch; 2) to taste; 3) to see; 4) to hear.” He hesitated a little, then added, “5) to feel; 6) to laugh; 7) to love.” The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Not only does the resurrection give us a similar new perspective, but it is the foundation of our Christian experience. It is so important to us, not because it is a nice happy ending to the story of Jesus, but because it is the beginning of our story – a story in which our faith can triumph over death.
The disciples were changed by their faith in the resurrection and their faith in the God who brought it about. They were given power to heal and to help others, power to conquer their own fear and despair and power to defeat the fear and despair that afflicts others. This is what the resurrection is all about. This is what Easter is all about. This is what our faith is all about. This is what Christianity is all about. God can bring back to life that which has died. God can bring good out of evil; love out of hate; and hope out of despair. That is what we believe, and what we believe makes a difference.
A member of New Castle’s Interfaith Council, Leigh Pezet has been pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church since 1996. He is also (in fact, was first) an accomplished jazz musician. http://www.chappaqua-lutheran.org/
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