We’re reminded in today’s lectionary reading that God created us in His own image. So, as we think about this, let’s prayerfully consider: what does it really mean to be made in God’s image?
The full lectionary reading can be found on the Internet: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030125.cfm
Reading 1 – Sirach 17:1-15
God from the earth created humans,
and in his own image he made them. (Sirach 17:1)
The Genesis account of creation states:
Then God said, “Let us make humans in our image, according to our likeness . . .”
So God created humans in his image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26-27)
The Bible consistently teaches that being created in God’s image means reflecting His character in the world.
An everlasting covenant he has made with them,
his justice and his judgments he has revealed to them.
He says to them, “Avoid all evil”;
each of them he gives precepts about his fellow men. (Sirach 17:12, 14)
Justice, righteousness, and steadfast love are significant aspects of God’s character.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. (Psalm 89:14)
The Bible repeatedly calls God’s children to reflect these aspects of His nature.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 103:13-14, 15-16, 17-18
As a father has compassion for his children,
so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.
For he knows how we were made;
he remembers that we are dust. (Psalm 103:13-14)
The Hebrew word for compassion originates from the sound a mother camel makes, expressing sympathy for the cries of her newly weaned offspring.
When the Bible states that God remembers, it is not suggesting He has forgotten. Rather, when He remembers that we are merely dust, we can count on His mercy and compassion to care for us in our frail condition.
We can thank God for this aspect of His nature and seek His help to reflect this aspect of His image.
Alleluia – Matthew 11:25
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom. (Matthew 11:25)
Gospel – Mark 10:13-16
Jesus, God’s image made flesh, walked among us, perfectly reflecting God’s righteousness, justice, and loving-kindness. He highlighted the importance of the most vulnerable, especially children.
Jesus said, “Let the children come to me; do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them (Mark 10:14, 16).
As our prayer today focuses on embodying God’s image in practical ways, let’s ask God how we can consider the frailty of our fellow brothers and sisters.
May we also care for and show God’s grace to those who are most vulnerable among us.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I explore the passage in which God commands Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. This marks the beginning of a two-part study on the events surrounding Abraham and Isaac.
Real Voices 