Is it only after I have eaten my fill That I begin to look beyond myself Do I even consider those who hunger And in the hungry, have I seen Your face?
Is it only after I have quenched my thirst That I begin to look beyond myself Do I consider others who thirst for much And in the thirsty, have I seen Your face?
Is it only after I have been among friends That I begin to notice those who have no one Do I lovingly consider their loneliness And in the lonely, have I seen Your face?
Is it only after I have chosen which garment is best That I begin to consider those without this choice Can I truly look to and serve others’ needs And in the ragged, have I seen Your face?
Is it only after I have looked beyond myself After having had my wounds tended to That I lovingly consider those needing healing And in those who are ill, have I seen Your face?
Is it only after I have looked beyond myself And have taken my freedom for granted That I lovingly reach out to the lonely and isolated And in their loneliness have I seen Your face?
I must honestly ask: Do I want Jesus to look away from me for even a moment?
And so I pray … I know that You always see me And expect me to bring You to my world To be Your eyes and ears, heart and hands To bring You to my brothers and sisters in need Help me to remain vigilant for You at my door Help me to open my eyes and heart Never to avert my sight but to seek Turning my discomfort to joy My fear to strength My heart to You.