A Thought For The Week Of May 21

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (Matthew 5:8) The sixth Beatitude. The Old Testament tells us that if we actually see God, we'll die. That's in Exodus 33:20. I suppose it has to do with the impossibility of mortal humans actually seeing an eternal and holy God. But Jesus says that the pure of heart will see God. Did he just mean after we die? I think he means that living a pure life (one that follows the great commandments to love God and neighbour) does in a way bring us face to face with God. After all, to love God means that we'll be moved to love those in need, and to love those in need brings us face to face with Jesus - "whatever you do for one of the least of these you do for me." To be pure in heart isn't as hard as it seems. It means to let go of the things that can close us to love and serve others, to replace selfishness with selflessness and to do it all not for our own credit, but for God's glory. That's all it takes. Then, we too will be able to see God! Have a great week!