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“But what is the meaning of that word of the same authority: “No man has seen God at any time” (Mt 5:8)? Would the answer be that those words refer to seeing God, not to having seen Him? For it says, “They shall see God,” not “they have seen”; and “we shall see Him as He is,” not “we have seen.” Hence, the words “No man has seen God at any time” do not contradict these persons’ statements. The clean of heart, who wish to see God, shall see Him whom they have not seen.”
Augustine of Hippo. Letter 147, ch. 13 (1984). Augustine of Hippo: Selected Writings. (J. Farina, Ed., M. T. Clark, Trans.) (p. 372). Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press.
Love of God is the first thing in the order of commands”, St Augustine explains, “and love of neighbour is the first thing in the order of practice …]. You, who do not yet see God, will, by loving your neighbour, merit to see him. Love of neighbour cleanses our eyes to see God, as John clearly says, If you do not love your neighbour, whom you see, how can you love God, whom you do not see? (cf. 1 Jn 4:20)” (In Ioann. Evang., 17, 8). The Catholic Letters. (2005). (p. 155). Dublin; New York: Four Courts Press; Scepter Publishers.
Augustine of Hippo. Letter 147, ch. 13 (1984). Augustine of Hippo: Selected Writings. (J. Farina, Ed., M. T. Clark, Trans.) (p. 372). Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press.
Love of God is the first thing in the order of commands”, St Augustine explains, “and love of neighbour is the first thing in the order of practice …]. You, who do not yet see God, will, by loving your neighbour, merit to see him. Love of neighbour cleanses our eyes to see God, as John clearly says, If you do not love your neighbour, whom you see, how can you love God, whom you do not see? (cf. 1 Jn 4:20)” (In Ioann. Evang., 17, 8). The Catholic Letters. (2005). (p. 155). Dublin; New York: Four Courts Press; Scepter Publishers.