Do you see the face of God in others? - Daily Reflections February 19,2014

SEEING THE FACE OF GOD

 

Ma. Fatima Soriano is the renowned blind girl and kidney transplantee from Kawit, Cavite, whose inspirational albums have won both in the Catholic Mass Media Awards and Awit Awards. Her angelic voice, especially during live performances, can cause the listeners to have goosebumps. She doesn’t see her audience but she sings from the heart. I always tell her that Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD, is her priest father. And I am her priest uncle.

       At a very young age, she suffered both blindness and kidney failure. But it never stopped her in fulfilling her mission of spreading the love of God in her talks, praying over the sick, propagating devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary whom she “consults” in times of uncertainties, and bringing sweet inspirational music to a troubled world.

       Although Fatima cannot see, I’d like to believe that she can actually “see” Jesus and Mama Mary. Her aura speaks for the calm she experiences. Her counsel is likened to an old woman who has learned so much in life. Jesus put spittle on the eyes of the blind man in the Gospel and asked him if he could see anything. He said, “I see people looking like trees walking.” He could not see clearly yet. A second laying of hands made him see clearest. That’s the miracle. And the first thing he saw upon opening his eyes was the face of Jesus. That’s the fruit of the miracle. Every healing experience should lead us to see Jesus more and more in every opportunity to serve, in every person who needs help. A song in the movie Les Miserables has this haunting lyrics sang in an equally haunting tune: “To love another person is to see the face of God.”

       I’m not sure if Fatima will ever be able to see again. But for now, I believe that she’s happy seeing God and Mama Mary and fulfilling her mission for them.

       There are still a lot of blind people in our midst — those indifferent to the troubles of other people and what the less privileged are going through. May they be healed — and finally see the face of Jesus. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you see the face of God in others?

 

Lord Jesus, heal me of my blindness that I may see You in others.