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Sibling in Christ,
What are your eyes fixed on?
This coming Sunday in Lent is traditionally called Oculi, a Latin word meaning “eyes.” Like many Sundays in the Church year, its name comes from a psalm, in this case Psalm 25:
“My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.”
That simple line captures the heart of the day. Lent calls us to examine our lives honestly—to face temptation, struggle, and sin—but Oculi reminds us where our eyes belong: fixed on the Lord who rescues us.
Oculi falls right in the middle of Lent. By this point in the season, many of us feel the weight of the journey. The practices of Lent—prayer, fasting, and acts of generosity—are meant to strengthen faith and draw us closer to God. Yet if we are honest, the discipline of Lent can also feel long and demanding. The newness of the season has worn off, and Easter still feels far away.
It is precisely at this moment that the Church places before us the words of the psalmist:
“My eyes are ever toward the Lord.”
In other words, when the journey grows difficult, we remember where our help comes from.
The Scripture readings for this Sunday highlight the reality of the spiritual struggle that shapes the Christian life. In the Gospel, Jesus confronts the forces of evil and reminds his listeners that the kingdom of God is breaking into the world through his power. In Ephesians, Paul urges believers to “live as children of light.” The Christian life is not passive; it involves a daily walk of faith amid opposition and temptation.
And that is why the words of the psalm matter so deeply. We cannot fight these battles alone. Our strength does not come from our own resolve but from the Lord who protects and delivers his people.
Historically, this Sunday also had special significance for catechumens—those preparing for baptism. In the early church they would stand before the congregation and confess their faith, committing themselves to a life that would follow Christ no matter the cost. The prayers of Oculi reflect that same spirit of trust and dependence: “Turn to me and have mercy on me, for I am desolate and afflicted.” “Unto you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; O my God, in you I trust.”
These are not only the prayers of those preparing for baptism. They are the prayers of every Christian, especially in seasons like Lent when faith is being tested and refined.
The Church has kept this Sunday for centuries—at least since the sixth century—and the themes remain just as meaningful today. Lent reminds us that the Christian life is a journey marked by repentance, renewal, and perseverance. But it also reminds us that our eyes are never meant to rest on ourselves or our struggles alone.
Our eyes are meant to rest on Christ. He is the one who rescues us when we are trapped. He is the one who protects us from the power of evil. He is the one who leads us through the wilderness toward Easter joy.
As Lent continues and the road may feel long, hear again the promise of Oculi: “My eyes are ever toward the Lord.”
And when our eyes are fixed on him, we discover that even in the midst of struggle, God is already leading us toward freedom, light, and life.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Will
P.S. As Lent continues, where do you most need God to help you keep your eyes fixed on Christ? Reply to this e-mail, I’d love to hear from you.
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