Readings: Genesis 1:20-2:4, Ps. 8:4-9, Mark 7:1-13
“So, God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:27-28)
We are made in God's image and likeness. Being in God’s image and likeness means we resemble God, just as photocopies resemble the original. One way we resemble God is our capacity to will something into existence, to create out of nothing. Just as God imagined the world before creation and spoke it into existence, we can imagine things and speak them into existence.
- Our ability to create is a direct consequence of God's blessing. Soon after creating man, God blessed us, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that move on the earth.” The good news is that this blessing was not nullified even after Adam and Eve's fall.
- Another way we resemble God is through the power of our tongue. As God spoke the world into existence, we have what it takes to speak things into being. This is basically what happens when we pray. It is not enough to say what we feel; we must say it with faith. Jesus says: “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)
- Having been created in God’s image and likeness, only God knows how best we ought to live. Hence, He gave us the manual of life, the commandments. These instructions are not restrictions on our freedom but the key to enjoying life to the fullest. We must, therefore, trust God and follow his commandments rather than mere human traditions. God cannot be deceived; He knows when we pay lip service to His commandments.
- In our Gospel passage, Jesus challenges us to be pure in heart. Immoral thoughts, words, and actions destroy us from the inside. Just as living in a dirty environment can destroy a person, the immoral mind is deadly. Avoid hypocrisy. Remove the log in your eye before attempting to remove the speck in your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7:3-5) Looking good on the outside (wearing decent clothes and shoes) is good, but being pure in your heart is always better. (Matthew 5:8).
- Jesus also reminds us of the fourth commandment: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you.” (Exodus 20:12). There is no justification for anyone to refuse to take care of their parents when they have the means to do so. To say what you are to give to your parents is corban (dedicated to God) is to misinterpret God’s commandments.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, you made us in your image and likeness; help us to achieve our purpose for existence. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of week 5 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Genesis 1:20-2:4, Ps. 8:4-9, Mark 7:1-13).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu