How do I see the face of Christ in others?

Mother Teresa would pray, every day, in front of what  -- for all the world  -- looks like a small piece of bread. But she steadfastly believed that it was, in fact, the body of Christ. And she trained herself, day after day, to look upon it as the body of Christ and to treat it with the reverence due to the body of Christ. 

Then, when she left her time of prayer, she spent her days with what  -- for all the world  -- looked like dirty and shabby beggars and outcasts. But the same eyes of faith that could see the body of Christ in what looked like a piece of bread, and treat it with reverence because of that, could see the face of Christ in the poorest of the poor and treat them with reverence because of that. 

Maybe, then, there is a training element to Eucharistic devotion. It teaches me to see the world through the eyes of faith, and to act on that faith -- to believe that I am meeting Christ, and to act on that belief, even when my eyes seem to tell me otherwise. The people that I meet every day, on the street and in the hallways, do not conform to the image of Christ that I carry in my imagination. But, then, neither does the Eucharist. If I reflect on the fact that the Eucharist doesn't look like what I imagine the body and blood of Christ looking like, maybe the categories of my imagination will open up. Maybe I will learn to see the face of Christ more clearly through the eyes of faith and develop a Christian imagination. 

Most Rev. Mitchell T. Rozanski, Archbishop of St. Louis, Passport to the Eucharist, p. 17

Answer

Seeing the face of Christ in others involves embracing a perspective of love, compassion, and service, which is deeply rooted in Christian teachings. Here are some ways to cultivate this vision:

1. Practice Empathy: Try to understand others' feelings and perspectives. When you empathize, you're looking beyond the surface to see the shared humanity that connects you with others, much like Christ would.
2. Serve Others: Engage in acts of service without expecting anything in return. Whether it's through volunteering, helping someone in need, or simply being there for someone, these acts reflect Christ's life of service to others.
3. Forgiveness: Forgive others as Christ forgave. Holding onto grudges can blind you to someone's inherent dignity and worth. By forgiving, you acknowledge the possibility of redemption and change in every person.
4. Look Beyond Flaws: Everyone has faults, but focusing on these can obscure the image of Christ within them. Instead, try to see the potential for goodness and the divine spark that resides in everyone.
5. Prayer and Reflection: Spend time in prayer asking for the grace to see others as Christ does. Reflect on scriptures where Jesus interacts with various people, showing love and compassion to all, regardless of their status or behavior.
6. Community and Fellowship: Engage with your community or church group. Being part of a faith community can help reinforce your practice of seeing Christ in others, as it often involves communal acts of love and support.
7. Mindfulness and Presence: Be present in your interactions. Sometimes, just giving someone your full attention can make them feel valued and seen, mirroring Christ's attentiveness to individuals he met.
8. See the Suffering: Christ is often associated with those who suffer or are marginalized. By being aware of and responding to others' pain, you are, in essence, seeing Christ in the least of these, as described in Matthew 25:40.

By integrating these practices into your daily life, you can transform how you interact with others, seeing them not just as fellow humans but as reflections of the divine. This approach not only changes how you perceive others but also how you live your own life, fostering a deeper connection with your faith and community.

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How does knowing that I stand in a long line of so many believers increase my desire to serve others in the kingdom?

 

Answer

Knowing that you are part of a vast, historical tapestry of believers can profoundly enhance your motivation to serve others in the kingdom in several ways:

1. Sense of Belonging and Unity: Understanding that you're connected to a lineage of faith that spans centuries and continents can foster a deep sense of community and unity. This connection can motivate you to act in service, as you're not just serving individuals but participating in a collective mission that has been passed down through generations.
2. Inspiration from Examples: The lives of past believers, from saints to everyday faithful, serve as powerful examples of service, humility, and love. Their stories can inspire you to emulate their charity and dedication, pushing you to serve with greater zeal and commitment.
3. Legacy of Faith: Recognizing that you are a part of this legacy can instill a responsibility to continue the work of those before you. This isn't just about personal salvation but about contributing to the ongoing story of faith, where service to others is a key chapter.
4. Strengthened Faith: Knowing you're part of such a community can strengthen your personal faith, as it's reinforced by the collective belief and actions of others. Stronger faith often leads to a stronger desire to express that faith through service, seeing it as an extension of one's spiritual journey.
5. Divine Connection: The awareness of this lineage can also highlight the ongoing presence of God through time and people, further motivating you to serve as a way to connect with this divine continuity. Serving others becomes a way to participate in the divine work that has been unfolding since the faith's inception.
6. Encouragement Through Hardship: When facing challenges in service, knowing that many have navigated similar or even greater difficulties can be incredibly encouraging. It reminds you that your efforts, no matter how small they might seem, add to the collective impact of faith across time.

Thus, this knowledge can transform your approach to service from an individual act to a communal effort, where every act of kindness or support you offer is part of a larger, sacred narrative. This can significantly increase your desire to serve, not just out of personal conviction but as a steward of a rich, shared heritage of faith.

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How does knowing that I stand in a line of so many believers increase my desire for the Eucharist?

The next time you approach a tabernacle, place yourself in the line, twenty centuries long, of men, women, children, of all races, all nations, all states of life, all manner of ability, all socioeconomic backgrounds... those who lived good lives, and those who were powerful sinners.. all who have made the same track first made by those three wise men so long ago. No sacrifice will be too large or too small to separate you from the Eucharist. “Fall in love, and you will not leave him. “

-- St. Jose Maria Escriva, The Way, 999

Answer

Knowing that you stand in a line of countless believers can deeply enhance your desire for the Eucharist in several ways:

• Sense of Community and Tradition: Realizing that you are part of a long-standing tradition can give you a profound sense of belonging. This connection to the past generations of believers who have received the Eucharist underscores the timeless nature of the sacrament, making it feel more sacred and essential.
• Shared Spiritual Journey: When you consider the multitude of saints, mystics, and ordinary faithful who have experienced the Eucharist as a source of strength, comfort, and union with Christ, it can inspire you to seek that same profound connection. Their experiences and testimonies can make the Eucharist seem more accessible and desirable as a personal encounter with Jesus.
• Strength in Numbers: The collective faith of so many can bolster your own faith. There's a comforting reassurance in knowing that you're not alone in your spiritual journey; you are part of a vast community across history that has found solace, nourishment, and transformation through the Eucharist.
• Motivation for Personal Growth: Understanding this lineage can also motivate you to deepen your own spiritual practice. If the Eucharist has been central to the spiritual lives of so many, it encourages you to explore and embrace it more fully in your own life, seeing it as a vital part of your personal spiritual development.
• Anticipation of Unity: The Eucharist is not just a personal encounter but also a communal one, where all believers are united in Christ. Knowing you share this moment with all believers, past and present, can increase your desire to partake in the Eucharist as an act of unity with this universal body of Christ.

This collective experience can heighten your anticipation and reverence for the Eucharist, seeing it not just as a ritual but as a living connection to the divine through the community of faith.