Thursday, January 10, 2013
Weekday

First Reading:
Psalm:
Gospel:
1 John 4:19 -- 5:4
Psalm 72:2, 14-15, 17
Luke 4:14-22

Let us understand that God is a physician, and that suffering is a medicine for salvation, not a punishment for damnation.

-- St Augustine

If anyone says, "I love God," but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God who he has not seen. 1John 4:20

Often times we imagine we see God in nature, or in Church, or in others. But John write here if you don't love one of your brothers or sisters for whatever reason you are a liar. For me, this is true. I don't always see G-d in people who are ugly to me, or in an annoying neighbor, in someone homeless, sick, in prison and hardest of all, an enemy.

I all I love is pure, good, safe and convenient I will never see the G-d who is present in someone's need. So, I will not see G-d or be able to accept him who loves us unconditionally. To love your neighbor as yourself requires that your eyes always be open wide, judging not, just like Blessed Mother Teresa claimed that she never judged because she didn't want to be judged.

Strengthen me to be your presence to everyone I meet today!