As I read scripture, I am drawn to the number of times Christ simply looked at someone, and through his eyes, through a simple glance a life was changed forever. For anyone who is involved in our TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) retreat movement you probably know where I am going with this column. During part of the TEC weekend, as everyone is preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a reflection is read. Quite often the reflection used is entitled, "The Three Glances of Christ". It speaks of how Jesus looked at the rich young man, Judas and of course Peter. Please allow me to share with you the reflection on Peter.

"Jesus had looked at Peter many times. There was that first time on the shore, when he had called Peter to follow him. And there were the other times when he had rescued him from things Peter’s impulsive nature had got him into. And this very night, at the supper table Jesus had looked at him with love, even while he told Peter that he would deny him before the cock crowed twice.

And now Peter had done it. He had denied the Master. He had left Jesus alone with his captors. He could see them from where he was in the courtyard. Jesus’ back was to him. They had put a crown of thorns on him. They had beaten him. Jesus stood before them, mocked and spat upon. What could Peter do now? It was almost over. The Son of Many would soon be put to death. He could not run to him as he had done before. A sound broke into his thoughts…a cock in the distance crowed…and then crowed again.

With that sound, the Lord turned around and looked straight at Peter. The glance was gentle. Peter saw the hurt in Christ’s eyes…and yes, the forgive-ness…and the terrible, wonderful love. And the agony in him broke loose…and the awareness of the power of the love in the man before him."

What an awesome thought and image. He saw the hurt in Christ’s eyes, but he also saw the forgiveness and love. And for myself, I am always drawn to the love. I am sure that as Christ walked along the Sea of Galilee and called Peter and the first disciples that the same love and compassion flowed from his eyes. But did the disciples see it? Do we see it? Do our young people see it?

I believe very strongly that this becomes our role as we answer the call to minister to our young people. It cannot be just one or two people working with our youth, but the whole Church. What would happen today, if Jesus were walking by our youth as he did the first disciples. What would happen if he said to them, "Come and follow me"? My guess is that a few would say yes and quickly follow him. But what about the others, would they say, I can’t, I have practice, prom, or some other activity that is more important?

It is here that I believe that we have to answer the call. It is here that we have to answer the question, how can we be Christ to our youth? Can we look at them with the same love and compassion that Christ looked at Peter? Can we, with a simple glance, look at them, and with courage, firmness and love, say "Come and follow me", together we will enter more deeply into our own personal relationship with Christ?

What about it, do our "eyes" have it?