What is the difference between seeing and watching?
Some would say not much. They both use your eyes. They both involve some form of observation.
However, there is something different in the intensity of engagement (at least I think so).
When we see something it usually means something registered in your visual field. It entered into your awareness, but it did not keep it.
When we watch, something else happens. Our focus is placed on the object of observation. We are just seeing what is happening. We are intent on making sense of what is happening.
As we prepare for Palm Sunday tomorrow, we should take a moment and take note. As Jesus entered into Jerusalem, there were many who saw him enter. But, not many were paying attention. Not many were focusing in on who Jesus actually was.
One of the great challenges of the Christian faith is that we can see and not notice. We can use our eyes and still not pay attention.
We are called to watch. To be more than just casual spectators. The Gospel calls us to vigilance in our labor. This is what it means to watch.
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