This article tells you how to see Jesus in everyone and everyone especially in our world today that is imperfect. This is the first of our new series on helping each and everyone of us grow closer to Christ, our Lord.
In a world clouded by division, anger, and unrest, it can be difficult to see the goodness of God in our daily lives. Conflicts seem never-ending, and we often find ourselves asking, “Where is Jesus in all of this?” Yet, as faithful followers, we are called to see Christ not only in the beautiful but also in the broken—the hurt, the marginalized, and even those who challenge us.
Christ Himself teaches us this truth. In Matthew 25:40, He says:
“Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
This verse invites us to adopt a new lens: one that sees every person—no matter their flaws or the world’s judgments—as bearing the image of Christ. Afterall, we are all brought onto this earth for a purpose.
Seeing Jesus in Others: “The Least of These”
To see Jesus in everyone, we must begin where He told us to look—among “the least” of our brothers and sisters. Jesus walked among the poor, the sinners, and the rejected. When we encounter those who are suffering—whether it be a homeless person, a stranger who has wronged us, or a difficult family member—we are invited to recognize Christ’s presence in them.
St. Teresa of Calcutta exemplified this beautifully. She often said:
“If you cannot see Jesus in the face of the poor, you will never see Him.”
Personally, I've recently visited a cernter of care for those diagnosed with AIDS. I didn't know what to expect at first but all that sparked it was my parish Priest reminded us that each one of us has a duty to help those in need and the only was to do that is to go down to the field and be there. I had never "gone down to the field" until now and I now understand what St. Teresa of Calcutta was telling us. You should do it too!
This teaching challenges us to go beyond surface judgments. Are we willing to show mercy, patience, and compassion to those whom the world rejects? By doing so, we fulfill the words of the Gospel and reflect Christ’s love to others.
God Works in Mysterious Ways: Patience and Trust
In moments of suffering or confusion, we might question God’s plan. Even Job did when his whole life was plagued by the challenges inflicted upon him. Even his friends tried to reason with him and how he himself is lost. We are surrounded by those people today in a world powered by the worldly. However, Romans 8:28 reassures us:
“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
God’s ways are not always immediately clear. My pasih Priest once told us that we need to give God "space" for things to work. Like the farmer who waits patiently for the harvest (James 5:7), we too must wait on God’s timing, trusting that He is working for our ultimate good—even when we cannot see the outcome.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church also reminds us of this trust in CCC 309:
“God is in no way, directly or indirectly, the cause of evil. He permits it, however, because He respects the freedom of His creatures and, mysteriously, knows how to derive good from it.”
In seasons of waiting, we are called to deepen our faith and seek God in prayer, trusting that He will reveal His will in time. Especially now that ever this season of Advent.
Finding Jesus in Our Actions and Daily Lives
Seeing Jesus in others is just the beginning; we must also strive to find Him in our actions. St. Thérèse of Lisieux, one of the Church’s most beloved saints, teaches us her “Little Way”—offering small acts of love and sacrifice as a path to holiness.
Every act of kindness, no matter how small, becomes a way to encounter Christ:
• Offering a smile to someone who feels invisible.
• Practicing patience when someone tests your limits.
• Offering up your daily struggles to God.
By intentionally offering our thoughts, words, and actions to God, we invite Jesus into everything we do.
The Power of Love: God’s Love for All and Our Response
At the heart of our faith lies love—love for God and love for others. The Catechism teaches us:
“Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for His own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God” (CCC 1822).
We love because He first loved us. As we receive God’s boundless mercy and love, we are empowered to extend that same mercy to others. This love is not passive—it is active, forgiving, and transformative.
When we choose love over hatred, we become instruments of Christ’s peace, even in a broken world.
Practical Steps to See Jesus in Everyone and Everything
Here are three practical ways to cultivate this perspective:
1. Pray Daily
Ask God for the grace to see others with His eyes. Spend time reflecting on scripture, particularly passages like Matthew 25:40. Or, something as simple as praying the Rosary. These are yours that are powerful.
2. Live Out the Works of Mercy
• Corporal Works of Mercy: Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick, etc.
• Spiritual Works of Mercy: Forgive others, instruct the ignorant, bear wrongs patiently, and pray for the living and the dead.
3. Practice Forgiveness
Seeing Jesus in others means loving even those who have hurt us. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is necessary for peace. Pray for them as much as you pray for yourself as a cheritable act.
Conclusion: Christ is Present, Even in a Broken World
Despite the chaos and unrest around us, Christ is present. He is in the face of our neighbors, in the silence of prayer, and in the small, everyday moments of life. When we choose to see Him in others and offer ourselves in love, we bring His light to the world.
Let us hold onto hope and ask God for the eyes of faith to see Him in everyone and everything. As St. Paul reminds us in Galatians 2:20:
“It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
May Christ’s love guide us, and may we become beacons of His presence in this world.