Seeing Through God’s Eyes
Lent feels different this year—quieter, softer, and more honest.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples, “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” This hits me hard. Loving our enemies is truly difficult. Some days I feel my patience wear thin in the small, everyday moments—at home, at work, and in my interactions with others. I catch myself holding onto small grudges. I pray every day that God will help me see others through His eyes, not my own frustrations. I can almost hear Fr. David saying, “Denny, we sometimes just have to see people through the eyes of God.”
I realize how easy it is to love when it feels good or when it’s returned. But that’s not the love Jesus is asking of us. He is asking for something deeper, a love that chooses to stay patient, even when it’s hard. A love that forgives, even when we’re not fully ready.
Lent is teaching me to slowly let go of the things I hold onto most, resentment, hurt, pride, and the need to be always right. Not all at once, but little by little. During this season, I try to pause in the quiet of the morning to pray, reflect, and notice the ways God is working in my heart.
I don’t always feel ready to love this way. But I’m learning that love is a choice, not a feeling. And maybe that quiet, small choice is enough for now.
Lord, help me love, even when it’s hard… to love my enemies and pray for those who hurt me. Help me see others through Your eyes, with patience and grace.
Denny Hernandez