Previously the importance of the object of contemplation was mentioned. Ambrose
clarifies the reason for this discerning focus since a person becomes what he or she
gazes upon, “[l]ooking to Jesus containes this, and is the cause of this; the sight of
God will make us like to God; and the sight of Christ will make us like to Christ.”^207
He does not tire repeating this essential principle and as he writes of Jesus’ death he
again challenges his readers, “this very look may work on us to change us, and
transforme us into the very image of Jesus Christ.”^208 Further, he importantly
connects spiritual marriage with contemplative looking, “and all we have is by
marriage with Jesus Christ; Christ by his union hath all good things without
measure... if by looking on Christ we come to this likenesse, to be one with Jesus
Christ, Oh what a privilege is this!”^209 Drawing upon on 2 Corinthians 3:18 he
declares, “[l]et us look on Christ till we are like Christ... come now let us behold this
glory of Christ till we are changed in some high measure into the same glory with
Christ.”^210 Ambrose describes glory as the very “essence of God” and that God’s
nature is a “glorious essence which is most Majestical.”^211 Further, God is full of
“glory, beauty and excellency.”^212 The visual nature of glory has both intensity and
power and can vary so as not to overwhelm humanity as well as to transform those
who look upon the radiant beauty of God. Jesus, as God’s Son, reflects the pure
brilliance and radiance of God and those who look unto Jesus will participate in that
same glory, for their “life begun in grace [will be] ending in eternal glory.”^213
(^207) Ambrose, Looking Unto Jesus (^) , 349, cf. 352. 489.
(^208) Ambrose, Looking Unto Jesus, 679.
(^209) Ambrose, Looking Unto Jesus, 355.
(^210) Ambrose, Looking Unto Jesus, 1157.
(^211) Ambrose, Looking Unto Jesus, 92.
(^212) Ambrose, Looking Unto Jesus, 242.
(^213) Ambrose, Looking Unto Jesus, 356, cf. 1089-1103 for Ambrose’s most sustained
treatment of Jesus’ glory.