Loving others is a spiritual force drawing us to union with God; indeed, one who does not love others ‘walks in the darkness, remains in death, and does not know God.’
Pope Benedict XVI has said that “closing our eyes to our neighbor also blinds us to God” and that love is the only light which “can always illuminate a world grown dim and give us the courage needed to keep living and working.” When we live out a spirituality of drawing nearer to others and seeking their welfare, our hearts are opened wide to the Lord’s greatest and most beautiful gifts.
Whenever we encounter another person in love, we learn something about God. Whenever our eyes are opened to acknowledge the other, we grow in the light of faith and knowledge of God.