Eyes But They Do Not See

The Main Idea of the Lecture

The lecture speaks about the difference between the physical eye that sees what is visible, and the spiritual eye that perceives through divine enlightenment. A person may have two eyes, yet in truth does not see, because his understanding is darkened and his mind is covered with a cloud of ignorance, lust, doubt, or confusion. Thus, the light that is in him becomes darkness.

Causes of Spiritual Blindness

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that eyes which do not see may result from:

• Wrong understanding or misleading guidance.
• Following rumors without examination or discernment.
• Lusts that darken the mind and cover the heart.
• Doubt that distorts a person’s perception.
• Confusion, ignorance, and lack of knowledge of God’s way.

All these form a cloud over the mental eye, so the person no longer sees God’s commandment nor thinks of the consequences of his actions, but is led by his desires.

The Simple Eye and the Inner Light

His Holiness explains the meaning of the “simple eye,” that is, the eye not mixed with doubt, lust, or ignorance, but remaining pure and clear. The person whose eye is simple has his whole body full of light, because his inner being is filled with light.

True enlightenment does not come only from an external light such as sermons or books, but this light must turn into an inner light that enlightens the mind, heart, and understanding, so the person becomes enlightened by the Holy Spirit.

The Role of the Holy Bible in Enlightenment

The teaching confirms that continuous reading of the Word of God is a primary source of enlightenment. The commandment of the Lord is radiant and enlightens the eyes, and whoever does not know the Scriptures goes astray. Therefore, a person must read, meditate, search the meanings, and apply them in his life, so that the light of the Gospel may dwell within him.

Asking for Enlightenment Through Prayer

The lecture highlights the importance of daily prayer, especially in the Morning Prayer:
“Enlighten our minds, our hearts, and our understandings, O Master of all.”
Enlightenment is a divine gift requested in humility, not merely reliance on human intellect. A person needs to ask God to guide him and make him understand the path in which he walks.

Light and Darkness in Eternal Life

Those who live in the light and hold to luminous thoughts will enjoy God the true Light. But those who walk in darkness may eventually face the fruit of their darkness. Therefore, the Church calls her children to walk as children of light, not as children of darkness.

The Spiritual Message

The essential message is that a person is called to live in the light of God, enlightened by His Word, by the Holy Spirit, and by continual prayer, so that he may not have eyes that do not see, but spiritual eyes that see the truth and walk in the path of salvation.

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