I See You

The movie Avatar was captivating on so many levels but something that stayed with me was the phrase “I see you”.

I have noticed something significant in this regard in recent years; people do not seem to want connection. Let me give an example; when I was travelling on public transport e.g. busses or trains, people did not interact. It was as if each was in their own world and did not welcome any connection at all. It was as if all others were invisible.

I also feel invisible because of my own reticence. I am not a forthright person. I was trained to be a listener and although I am not unfamiliar with public speaking, I do not feel comfortable to be centre stage, even in small gatherings.

However, there have been the rare and wonderful people who have crossed my path and they have given me a gift of … “I see you”

Richard Rohr in his book “Things Hidden” speaks about the many insecure people today who have no real, solid self-concept and they will take on any external persona. This is very evident in people mimicking the characters in movies etc. He speaks of it as a type of “possession”. They are not themselves. This can range from the manner of speaking to a more serious ‘take over’ of the whole personality. He says, “But one way to think of ‘being possessed’ is when there is an unhealthy other who is defining you and defining you poorly”. (1)

The role of trauma is also significant. The abused can become the abuser. The dramatic story of Jesus healing the madman of Gadara is an interesting case in point. (2) He was in chains because he had become too dangerous. Tormented! Jesus asked one question “What is your name?” A key to his madness was the name he had given himself “Legion”. The classical interpretation was that he was possessed by many demons. This was a way of explaining it in ancient times. But the fact that Jesus pinpointed this “name” is significant. He saw where this man’s agony originated. Let me unpack this a little further; at that time, the Roman Legions terrorized that whole area. Perhaps as a child he witnessed immense brutality and had no way to disassemble it…. it possessed him. He became “it”. Jesus “saw” him, saw his agony, saw his struggle, and the man returned to his right mind.

I’m sure that you and I, and all people, long for the gift of someone “seeing” us. And may we have the grace to “see” others.

(1) “Things Hidden” by Richard Rohr. Published by Franciscan Media Cincinnati wwwFranciscanMedia.org. pg 99-61

(2) “Disciple’s Study Bible” New International version. Luke 5:1-5