“ “The eye is the lamp of the body.
If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” Matthew 6:22 NIV
“The eye, which
is called the window of the soul, is the principal means by which the
central sense can most completely and abundantly appreciate the infinite works
of nature; and the ear is the second, which acquires dignity by hearing of the
things the eye has seen.” —Leonardo da Vinci, “Notebook IX”
As an Optometrist for over
thirty years, I have peered intently into thousands of eyes, most healthy, but
some, very sick. The eye is truly a wonder to behold and is a magnificent
example of the creative genius of God. Indeed, an eye can say a lot about the
overall health and well-being of an individual. Although I cannot say I’ve ever
seen a person’s soul, the eye is certainly a direct and most powerful sensory
link to the brain, and the eyes certainly display our emotions, personality,
character, intentions, and certainly our general health and well-being.
Many have been credited with
the quote, “The eye is the window of the soul,” including Shakespeare, da
Vinci, and a myriad of others, and note that the specific phrase does not occur
in the Bible, although it is certain to be its inspiration. Probably the
earliest recorded quote is that of da Vinci, but unfortunately, he is typically
misquoted from the above full quotation, being paraphrased without the “which
is called,” so it appears erroneously as if he himself is making the statement,
but in reality, he is simply recounting that which was taken to be already
well-known. The phrase most likely originates via inspiration from the Bible
passage, then transforming into an old French proverb which stated that “The
eye is the mirror of the soul,” and then into an old English proverb, “The eye
is the window of the soul.” Hence, the idea was long established. Incidentally,
the phrase is typically seen stated as “the window to the soul,” which has a significantly different connotation;
of implies looking outward, whereas to implies looking inward.
Regardless, if the eye is our “lamp” as Jesus states, it both illuminates the
outward that we perceive, and also illuminates that which is within us for
others to see.
Christ is telling us in the
Bible passage that to perceive with your eyes is to perceive spiritually the
things of God, and that which we assimilate with our perceptions becomes our
inner essence—and it shows! If we have eyes for God, we have eyes that are
pure, clean, noble, healthy, full of light and life, and our entire essence is
as well. However, if we only have eyes for the things of the world, then we
too, will only be filled with darkness and despair. Feast your eyes only upon
the light and love of Jesus Christ and you will be healthy and full of light
yourself.
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