Scripture for Mass
Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9
Psalm Dan. 3:52. 53. 54. 55. 56. Response: 52b
2 Corinthians 13:11-14
John 3:16-18
Since many parts of the Bible emphasise personal choice and individual responsibility, why can’t every Christian simply honour God in their personal life, and let the task of building up the Christian community be optional?
The Book of Genesis (1:26) states that – at the time of creation, long before there was the notion of religion – God made humans in the image and likeness of God. That is why we believe that every person is infinitely precious, and that in honouring or denigrating another person we honour or denigrate God.
Many centuries after the Book of Genesis was composed, the followers of Jesus came to a broader and deeper understanding of God, which in turn led to a broader and deeper understanding of what it means for humans to live as a true reflection of God.
For Jesus, God was not a lone, solitary figure, but rather Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, united as one through the bonds of perfect love. Throughout his life on earth, Jesus treasured those bonds through his deep and continuous trust of God the Father and his attentive listening to the Holy Spirit.
Moreover, he prayed earnestly that his followers would not only treasure a similar bond with the Father and the Holy Spirit but also forge comparable bonds of trust and charity among themselves.
Indeed, Jesus did not simply encourage his followers to live in community, but rather he commanded them to become a living representation of God’s image and likeness on earth, a faithful reflection of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, united in one.
Faithful Father, since you created every person in the image and likeness of your beloved Son Jesus, help us to show respect and concern to all who cross our path each day.
Christ Jesus, grant us your wisdom, courage and compassion, so that we too can come to know God the Father as Abba, and bring your healing and hope to the world.
Come Holy Spirit and mould the community of Christ’s followers into a true reflection of the Triune God.
Together with all humanity, may we enable the whole of creation to thrive and rejoice in the glory of our Creator, Saviour and Sanctifier.
Amen.
Fr. Tim Mulroy
