January 07, 2021

1 Jn 4:19–5:4

We love because he first loved us. Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.  

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

Please share the Good Word with your friends!