Dear Parishioners,
I teach a class at Catholic University to seminarians
about ministry. They are going into a vocation that is
guided by the idea of service to others in their roles as
pastors, teachers, and administrators. It is fundamental
to our Christian identity and at the heart of evangelization. Christ poured himself out for others.
He gave all of his life in the service of others. We are
all to follow his example.
In giving to others, most of
the time, the other person we are serving is different
than us. Maybe they come from a different state with
somewhat different cultural norms. Or they are
different ages than us, or a different gender and
subsequent different outlook on life issues, or their
racial background is different than our own. However,
an important idea that helps to mediate our service to
others is the idea that we are all children of God made
in the image of God. I look at the soul as that part of us
that contains the fire that God put into it. He has
kindled a piece of himself, and it resides in our soul.
Of
course, we also manifest God’s likeness. Women, men,
children, Asians, African Americans, Caucasians,
Hispanics, seniors, youth, babies: we all have been
created in the image of God. The idea, I think, means
that God goes beyond the color of our skin or the type
of hair we have or the language we speak. It goes
beyond the habits we engage in due to our culture and
background. We all reflect somehow the parentage of
God (and this is the miracle only God can perform) just
as a child looks a little like both of his or her parents.
We, as well, all imitate God somehow in how we are.
This brings me to a risky question. How are you with your Godly sisters and brothers? If we are all children of God, how are you treating and serving others, not just your family but others in your neighborhood? The protests around the country are calling to mind that some of us in this family of God’s children are victims of racism and not being treated justly. I am asking myself where am I with that, and what can I do about it. I ask you the same.
Blessings,
Deacon Steve
