St. Paul and St. Mother Teresa direct us to seeing God in this world, amidst the ordinary and challenging times that we face. St. Paul reminds us that “Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation. Over two thousand years later, it’s easy to fly by those words, especially: “…the image of the invisible God.”
If we stop to think about it, we like the first Christians are seeking to see God too…we sensate beings crave for visual, auditory, and tactile proof like the first disciples after Jesus’ resurrection.
God Gives Us Guidance
Because it is in our hearts to seek proof of the living God, God does not leave us wanting. He has given us the Sacraments where we encounter Jesus in the Eucharist and in the Confessional…two Sacraments that are readily available to us.
God has also given us guides, holy men and women like St. Mother Teresa who remind us through their faith and works of how to see Jesus in the faces of our brothers and sisters.
Mother Teresa, in an address to families in Calcutta said, “The family is the first place where we encounter Christ. “If you want to see the face of God, look at the person next to you – especially the people who share your own home.”
Yet, at times our past experiences with people in our home and outside can cause us to wonder how can that be….? How can I see Jesus in the face of the person I’m not getting along with or who seems distant?
We Are Made in the Image of God
The answer lies in remembering and believing that we are all made in the image of God…and that as St. Teresa often taught that Jesus hides himself under the disguises of the poorest, the sick, the lonely, and even members of our own families…and that when we serve others including our family members, we are serving Jesus.
To this end, Mother Teresa said: “When we open our hearts to love each brother and sister at home, the presence of Jesus becomes unmistakable.”
Over two thousand years ago, Jesus humbled Himself to take on our human nature and to walk among us on a path that led to his suffering, death, and resurrection for our salvation.
If we look around us with the eyes of faith and charity, then we like St. Teresa will see in the faces of those in our lives, especially those most in need the suffering image of Jesus and when we struggle to do this we can recall Jesus’ own words: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)
- Today’s Readings
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday–Friday. Consider inviting others to join, too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
