January 07, 2021

1 Jn 4:19–5:4

Through the loving eyes of God

In today’s first reading we read, “or those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.” Ignatian Spirituality encourages us to find God in all things, especially in each other. When we are in love with God, it becomes easy to see his signature on all creation. Therefore, let the abundance of love given by God flow into our relationships.

Thomas Merton says, “as if the sorrows and stupidities of the human condition could overwhelm me, now that I realize what we all are. And if only everybody could realize this! But it cannot be explained. There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun.” 

Take some time this week to rest in prayer and converse with God as you would with a close friend. In prayer, try to see yourself and your neighbor through the loving eyes of God. 

—Emmanuel Arenas, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic of the Midwest Province studying philosophy at Saint Louis University.

Prayer

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy one of Israel, your Saviour. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life.

—Isaiah 43: 1-4