Augustine of Hippo — as excerpted in the Catena Aurea on Luke 15:17-24

“(ubi sup.) For before that he perceived God afar off, when he was yet piously seeking him, his father saw him. For the ungodly and proud, God is well said not to see, as not having them before his eyes. For men are not commonly said to be before the eyes of any one except those who are beloved.”