When I first met Little Brother Charles of Jesus and Little Brother René Voillaume, who continued and made known much of Charles’ approach to contemplation on the roads, I was much struck by the notion of seeing Jesus in our neighbours being a kind or way of contemplation.

Then I read a few words of Jacques Maritain, quoted by Father Voillaume himself. Little Brother Jacques said, almost as a throwaway phrase “seeing Jesus in – or perhaps more accurately, behind – others”. The words that caught my attention were “or perhaps more accurately, behind”.

Why would that be more accurate? It is actually true that God is present in everyone by creating them and, if they are in a state of grace, making them just and holy. Why would it be more accurate to say “behind” than to say “in”?

I think, maybe, the reason is simple. If we look to see things in created things, we end up confused. At least, I do. It is a weakness of mine. If I look at created things to find something in them, then that implies that my values are starting to shift a little bit. I want to use my eyes. But if I concentrate on that operation too much, it inevitably leads to some species of “the lust of the eyes” (1 Jn 2:16). I want to see. I want to be consoled in my vision. I want to know with my eyes. I want, I want, I want. It’s spiritual gluttony. This tastes good, this looks good, this consoles me: let me seek it.

On the other hand, if I see Jesus behind my neighbours, I have to look with my spiritual eyes and forget about my bodily eyes. It’s more an enveloping impression of grace, rather than something that admits of a wanting, a desire to operate in a particular way.

Of course, this may just be my own weakness. Maybe it actually is just as good to say “seeing Jesus in” as “seeing Jesus behind” our neighbours. I’m not going to say. I can’t judge. But if these words help you, please take them.