“Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.”
To see the essence of the Father is not possible in this lifetime, for “No man hath seen God at any time: the only begotten Son who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath revealed him” (John 1:18). Purity of heart, rather, is a heart that constantly inclines to the love of Jesus: “He that seeth me seeth the Father also” (John 14:9). Thinking always on His life, be it watching Him in His ministry, or considering His passion, or glorying in His resurrection, is a cleansing balm on the heart. Furthermore, hearing His words, immersing yourself in the Scriptures that He may speak to you constantly brings you to a full knowledge of Him and His ways: “And she had a sister called Mary, who sitting also at the Lord’s feet, heard his word” (Luke 10:39). So captivating is His merciful love, so wise are His ways, that you will find no thought more pleasing than of Jesus, and no greater way of life than what He tells you to do: “I am ready, and am not troubled: that I may keep your commandments” (Psalm 118:60). A pure heart, then, is enraptured with the love of Jesus, doing all things for His sake, not seeking one’s own, not declining to vain things, not settling for natural goodness but putting the love of God in everything, strewing flowers of love wherever you go: “All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Colossians 3:17). What comes from love will come naturally, even if it doesn’t line up with worldly wisdom: “If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10). Now, in letting yourself love and be loved by the Father, Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the saints, that they may give you the gift of the Holy Spirit, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father from heaven give the good Spirit to them that ask him?” (Luke 11:13), you will be a radiant light of God’s love to all. Your heart will be purified by love, that it may be free to love, not being weighed down by negativity, insecurity, sin, scruples, base desires, or attachments, but holding to the love of God alone, your light will shine brightly: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). In this expression of divine love, you will see God. You are a magnificent reflection of the beauty of God, for He made you in His image, and the greater your love, the greater your resemblance to Him. It is a false humility to say you have no spiritual beauty, no gifts, for God has given you gifts and loveliness according to His liking: “I clothed thee with embroidery, and shod thee with violet coloured shoes: and I girded thee about with fine linen, and clothed thee with fine garments. I decked thee also with ornaments, and put bracelets on thy hands, and a chain about thy neck. And I put a jewel upon thy forehead and earrings in thy ears, and a beautiful crown upon thy head” (Ezechiel 16:10-12). For what lover fails to adorn the beloved with beautiful things, and praise the same beloved for their beauty? Recognize the sublime work that has been worked in you, for you are His expression of love, and let Him say always to you: “Behold thou art fair, O my love, behold thou art fair, thy eyes are as those of doves” (Song 1:14). You are beautiful, o beloved of God, you are decked in spiritual treasures and grace by the One that loves you beyond all understanding. Your God looks at you and proclaims, “Thou hast wounded my heart, my sister, my spouse” (Song 4:10); the deep wound of love has pierced the Heart that contains all existence. O mystery sublime! O heart so blessed, that sees the love of God in all things, and what His love has bestowed upon it!