Our reading from the book of genesis is one of the most significant scriptural passages for understanding who we are as human beings.
On the sixth day of creation, we read how man and woman are created in the divine image, the image of God, the imago Dei. We are created, not simply as the animals, with instinct, but with intellect and will. The divine image is present in every person, no matter their race or ethnicity or IQ, physical prowess. Every human person is a “someone” not a “something”—and we are never to treat each other as objects, we are never to dehumanize each other because of differences in opinion or belief or practice. Every human life possesses this dignity from the moment of conception till death, and therefore every human life must be cherished.
The Catechism says, “Endowed with "a spiritual and immortal" soul, the human person is "the only creature on earth that God has willed for its own sake." From his conception, he is destined for eternal beatitude.” We are created with the capacity to reflect God, and the capacity for God.
We reflect God by using our freedom to do the will of God, using our reason to understanding the order of things established by the Creator. We find his perfection "in seeking and loving what is true and good.”
And we have the Capacity for God, as the medievals said, the Capax Dei, the Capacity for God. Built into our nature is the desire for God, the desire to be with God, the desire to participate in God’s Divine Life. And we must use our faculties to obtain that end for which we were created, eternal beatitude, by doing good and avoiding evil.
The Catechism then says, the divine image “shines forth in the communion of persons, in the likeness of the unity of the divine persons among themselves” In the divine image God created “them”—male and female. Since God is Trinity, a relationship of Three Divine Persons, to be in God’s image, is to be in relationship—in communion. We are to use our human faculties to promote and protect unity and harmony amongst persons.
Let us use our human faculties, our intellect, our reason, our will, our sense of compassion this day, and with the help of God’s grace, to reflect God and to seek God, to be the people God made us to be for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
That the leaders and members of the Church my fulfill with joy their calling to proclaim, celebrate, and serve the Gospel of Life, we pray to the Lord…
That we may unite all our choices with the will of God, and there find our true freedom and fulfillment, we pray to the Lord.
For the healing of the wounds of sin and division in our nation.
That Court decisions and laws which permit the destruction of innocent life may be resisted and ultimately reversed, we pray to the Lord…
For the Pope’s intention for this month: That all those who are afflicted, especially the poor, refugees, and marginalized, may find welcome and comfort in our communities.
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