Today, the Gospel read at Mass in the Latin Rite is the parable of the sheep and the goats:

“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Mt 25:40 NRSV)

Today’s Psalm speaks of our eyes wanting to look on God’s face:

… who seek the face of the God of Jacob. (Ps 24:6 NRSV)

Although we long, indeed, for something entirely above our nature and just want to see God as he is, Jesus offers something here below. He says, “Look at these children of mine. See me in and behind them and act accordingly. But first see them that way; really see them and contemplate me as you go out on the muddy highways of this world.”