Bishop Bashar Mitto Warda explains the spiritual meaning of seeing in the Gospels

Bishop Bashar Mitto Warda, the Chaldean Eparch of Erbil, said that when the Gospels describe Jesus seeing crowds, it refers to a deep understanding of human reality rather than simple sight. Speaking to ACI MENA, Warda noted that Jesus sees the exhaustion and fragility of people and their desire for renewal. He said the crowds gathered because the words and actions of Jesus provided a hope that the law alone could not satisfy.

Warda explained that Jesus' ascent to the mountain serves as a way to clarify vision and expand perspective. He stated that in the Bible, climbing a mountain is linked to increased human awareness, guidance, and the presence of God. According to Warda, this movement is a call to lift one's gaze toward the divine to discover the path leading to God. He also noted that seeing can be more important than hearing, citing the Gospel of Luke where Jesus instructs disciples to report what they have seen and heard.