Maureena’s Torah Reflections
Parashat Vayishlach. Genesis 32:4-36:43
“To see your face is like seeing the face of God” (Gen. 33:10).
Jacob recognizes God’s presence in Esau’s face only when he approaches his brother in humility and reconciliation. Created in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:26–27), we glimpse God’s face in others when we choose to love them. As Jesus taught, “Love your enemies” (Luke 6:27)
Victor Hugo, the author of Les Misérables, echoes this truth: “To love another person is to see the face of God.”
Reflection:
Even a small grudge can cloud our vision. This week invites us to notice any resentment we carry and to let it go, so that God’s face may shine more clearly through others.
Prayer:
Psalm 27:8 (“‘Seek My face.’ Your face, O Lord, I seek.”)
Prepared by Prof. Sr Maureena Fritz
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“Since the spiritual patrimony common to Christians and Jews is thus so great, this sacred synod wants to foster and recommend that mutual understanding and respect which is the fruit, above all, of biblical and theological studies.”
Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions: Nostra Aetate, No. 4