There are times when we may feel the need to pause and examine our lives. When looking at our lives, we should think about the various people we have encountered. We should focus on people who, in one way or another, left their mark on us. This might include family, colleagues, friends, neighbors, teachers, etc. From the day of our birth until today, we have been affected by the people around us. In the same way, we have also left an impact on others. We have been cause of joy, peace, admiration, and pride, but also of sadness, annoyance and humiliation. We realize that what happens in our environment affects us greatly because we are beings in relationship, in relation to things, people and God.

Being aware of this, we should ask ourselves today: How are my connections with those who are closest to me? Many times we may say, “God has put this person in my life.” Why do we think that is the case? Often it is because that person does us good, helps us grow or helps us keep walking in the midst of difficulties. We can think then, that we too can be God’s presence in the lives of those around us. Jesus sends us to be a “light of the world.” With what attitudes, gestures or advice can we illuminate the lives of others? How can we be a cause of growth for those who are at our side? What kind of footprints do we want to leave in the lives of our neighbor? Do we see in them the face of God?

In a world that seems to be divided and fragmented, God invites us to weave bonds of solidarity, com-passion and mercy with our neighbors. Jesus tells us “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Where can we start? We should start at home, work, school, with those who are at our side, and with those who are present in our daily walk. May our words and actions be a sign of love and reconciliation with God, with others and with ourselves.

• Francisco Quian, SJ
  Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Argentina – Uruguay)