“If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:21.)
Saint Augustine of Hippo comments on this verse from the Second Reading proclaimed at Mass today:
“Why does a man not see God? Because he has not love. He has not love because he does not love his brother, and it follows that the reason for his not seeing God is that he does not love. The heart’s eye must be continually cleansed and strengthened by love, in order to see that changeless being in whose presence the lover may always delight and enjoy it in the company of the angels for all eternity.” (Ten Homilies on 1 John, 9.)
Collect
O God,
Who by the Nativity of Your Only Begotten Son wondrously began for Your people the work of redemption, grant, we pray, to Your servants such firmness of faith, that by His guidance they may attain the glorious prize You have promised. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Who by the Nativity of Your Only Begotten Son wondrously began for Your people the work of redemption, grant, we pray, to Your servants such firmness of faith, that by His guidance they may attain the glorious prize You have promised. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Glory to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
