“When we deal with each other, we should do so with the sense of awe that arises in the presence of something holy and sacred.” -Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
This quote is highlighted in this week’s column by the Diocese’s Social Justice Commission on the subject of economic justice.
Take some time to consider:
Do I have a sense of awe when in the presence of others?
- Is it difficult for me to view every single person as a precious child of God, marked with His grace?
- Is there a trend or a pattern in who I tend more readily view as holy? Is it the capable, the well-off, those who are most obviously devout? Or instead, is it the weakest, the poorest, or the most pitiful?
- What steps can I take this week in order to meditate on and embrace the truth that each and every person I encounter—no matter how sinful (even including myself) is beloved by God?
Then, take these two passages, side-by-side, and pray about what they might mean in your life:
- “It is impossible to say ‘I love God,’ and hate one’s own brother, for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 Jn. 4:20)
- And likewise, that “…faith without works is dead.” (James 2:17).
This week, may we all be led to a deeper, more authentic and tangible love for God and neighbor.