hide and see
"Let Me see you." —Song of Songs 2:14
We're hiding from Jesus. He's trying to look at us, but we're hiding from Him — whether it's behind a boulder (Sg 2:14), a sinful, worldly lifestyle, or a veil of fear. It's estimated that almost half of registered Catholics hide from Jesus simply by not showing up at Mass on Sunday.
We may be hiding from Jesus, but that doesn't stop Him from looking for us (Lk 19:10). He loves us so much that He came down from heaven to earth to look at us. We might look in a mirror and dislike what we see, but Jesus loves to look at us. He says to each of us: "Ah, you are beautiful, My beloved" (Sg 1:15).
During the Advent and Christmas seasons, visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Sit and gaze upon the eucharistic Jesus. Now realize that He is also looking upon you. While in His eucharistic presence, read the entire book of Song of Songs. Picture Jesus using the words of the groom to talk directly to you with His words of ardent love (denoted by the letter 'G' in the left margin of some Bibles). Respond to Him by lovingly speaking to Him the words of the bride (denoted by the letter 'B' in the left margin of some Bibles).
Hide from Jesus no longer. Give Jesus the Christmas present He wants. Let Him see your face (Sg 2:14) and tell you how much He loves you. Then love Him in return.
Prayer: Jesus, why am I afraid of Your love? (Ps 139:7-12) Why do I hide myself from You? Give me the grace to let You love me.
Promise: "The Lord has removed the judgment against you...you have no further misfortune to fear." —Zep 3:15
Praise: "O Radiant Dawn, Splendor of eternal light, Sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death."
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 13, 2006
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