[Greek] σκοπέω (skopeō), [Latin] videre, [French] voir, [German] sehen, [Latin] observare, [Latin] contemplare, [Latin] considerare, [French] examiner: to view closely, to examine, to fix one’s eyes upon, to observe, to contemplate, to consider, to pay attention; Rom.16:17, Php.3:17, Gal.6:1, Php.2:4, Lk.11:35, 2Cor.4:18
Seeing the bigger picture
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to scan, to be on guard, to contemplate, to spy out, to look, to inspect, to examine, to visit, and to look into.
Seneca: “These things (which most men seek after) are but objects of the imagination, and present a show of being but for a time. Let us give our minds to the things which are eternal.”
Aristophanes’ Peace 453: “But let us scan the mien (demeanor) of the spectators.”
Aristophanes’ Thesmophorizusae 580: “I come to tell you, so that you may watch carefully and be on your guard against the danger which threatens you.”
Sophocles’ Electra 1474: “She is near you, do not look elsewhere.”
Antiphon’s Third Tetralogy 4.28: “May God visit them with the punishment they deserve.”
Euripides’ Rhesus 6.3.14: “Do not leave the present need to look at distant schemes.”
Plato’s Protagoras 353a: “Why, Socrates, must we consider the mass of mankind.”
Plato’s Cratylus 440d: “I assure you, Socrates, that I have already considered the matter, and after toilsome consideration.”
Old Testament: This term used in a narrow sense of having a watchful eye. Whenever Moses went out to the tent of meeting, the people would rise and stand at the entrance of their own tents. Ezek.3:17 provides the ultimate existential purpose for the Old Testament prophet. The Lord has appointed Ezekiel as a watchman for the house of Israel. When Ezekiel hears a word from the Lord, Ezekiel shall warn them.
New Testament: This term means to take care (take heed), to watch out, to look (out), to consider, and to observe. Jesus tells us to make sure that the light inside us does not become dark. Paul warns us to watch out for those who create dissension and obstacles. We need to look for what is unseen (eternal things). We also must look at ourselves, so that we may not be tempted. Considering others should be more important than looking out for own interests. We also observe and imitate those who conduct themselves in the model given by Christ.
Scripture:
“I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create dissensions and obstacles, in opposition to the teaching you have learned, avoid them.” Rom.16:17
Paul urges the Christians to watch for and to avoid enemies, obstacles, and false teaching which obstruct their faith.
“Join with others in being imitators of me, brothers, and observe those who thus conduct themselves according to the mode you have in us.” Php.3:17
Paul urges the Philippians to follow his example in conducting themselves. Paul tells them to be aware of those who are enemies of the cross and are only concerned with earthly things.”
“For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2Cor.4:17-18
Things that are seen are the circumstances and instances of present life (brief time). Things that are not seen are faith, immortality, eternal life, righteous, and righteousness (not subject to time).
Catholic perspective on affliction (suffering): The experience of life lived on earth is just a brief period of existence compared to the timeless of eternity. This affliction is light (transitory in time) in contrast to eternal weight (time duration) of glory (2Cor.4:17-18).
1Pet.2:19: Unjust suffering because of consciousness of God (through circumstances beyond one’s control) is a grace before God.
1Pet.2:20: When you suffer for doing what is good is a grace before God.
1Pet.20:21: If you are called to suffer, Christ gives you an example that you should follow in His footsteps. (You share with and join your suffering with Christ).
Catholic perspective on offering up one’s suffering for others: We can willingly and freely offer up our suffering and struggles for others. St. John Vianney comes to mind. Then there are times when we must suffer and struggle because of circumstances beyond our control (disease, war, etc.). Suffering can be redemptive and efficacious when we offer it for others. As a result, these actions can bestow purification and grace. God always meets sacrifice with grace. Jesus says, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.” This is where Jesus is talking to those who are suffering. (This is not just theoretical). Circumstances have recently forced many to involuntarily take up their proverbial crosses of suffering, struggles, fleeing, persecution, and martyrdom.
St. John Vianney’s willing offer to suffer for his parish:
“My God, grant me the conversion of my parish; I am willing to suffer all my life whatsoever it may please thee to lay upon me. I am prepared to endure the sharpest pains, only let my people be converted.”
Conclusion:
Video, voyeur, see, observe, contemplate, contemplation, consider, consideration, examine, examination
I hope that I was able to give you a peek into the bigger picture in this post.
In these Greek quotes, we can see the timeless aspiration of human desires and actions. Seneca tells us not to look at the objects in the mirror but to look for eternal things.
In the Old Testament, the prophets were essentially watchmen and observers at God’s request.
Jesus tells us to look inside ourselves, making sure we have that have that “light on” in shining the light of the gospel.
Paul also reminds us to see to see the bigger picture in helping others, watching for obstacles and dissenters, and looking ahead to eternity.
Update: We need to look ahead to see that Putin is now concerned with controlling Eastern Ukraine.
Why doesn’t God punish Putin and the Russian forces? Is there someone out there who could remove Putin from power? (Let’s be honest. Many of us are already thinking of this).
In the big eternal picture, political power is ultimately a fleeting, transitory, and temporary earthly institution.
We all can already see the determined Ukrainians seeking to defend their country at great cost.
The US and the West need to be on guard to watch for the potential of China’s ambitions for seeking control over Taiwan.
I do not think the mainstream media (social media) do not fully see (understand) the anger and push-back building up from parents.
The media, focusing on content moderation and suppression, continue to dismiss (fail to see) the people’s desire for freedom of speech.
One doesn’t need to look any further than the southern border to know that we have a national security problem.
Instead of being woke, many need to wake up and see the problems caused by woke policies.
As each of us closely look in that mirror, we often might find that objects, obstacles, conflicts, and struggles are closer than they appear. Like salt that has becomes useless, we sometimes cannot see to it to shine that light and look for eternity. It would be foolish to ignore the challenges and difficulties that lie ahead with Russia and China. Closer to home, woke policies and censorship (content moderation) are leaving a bad taste in many people’s mouths. Many of these policies have become utter nonsense, foolishness, and something quite atrocious.
Next post: to be foolish and nonsensical