Commentary of the Gospell

October 29, 2022

Who Do You See?

One of the diary entries of Blessed Carlo Acutis reads thus: “Sadness is looking at oneself, happiness is looking at God. Conversion is nothing but a movement of the eyes.” The difference in gaze of Paul and that of the invitees at the banquet Jesus attends is evidence to the truth of Carlo’s words. The invitees are so full of themselves, their eyes narcissistically fixated on their own needs that they are eager to occupy the seats of honor, and thereby look good for themselves and others. They are simply unable to see and acknowledge the presence and honor of others. In contrast, all that Paul can see is Christ. For him, living is for Christ and dying is to be with Christ. Even when he looks at himself, all he can see is Christ; and hence, he cries out, “It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).

Paulson Veliyannoor, CMF - Claretian Publications Philippines