What image do I have of God?
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Prov 31: 10-13. 19-20. 30-31; Psalm 127; 1 Tess 5:1-6; Mt 25:14-30
“Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground” (Mt 25:24-25). This statement uttered by the third servant in the parable of the Talents, which the Church proclaims on this 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, induces us to ask ourselves and discern the kind of image we have of God.
Some years ago, I was at a retreat-seminar, and when time came for some sharing in groups, the retreat animator gave us one apparently simple question: ‘what image do I have of God?’ The instinctive reaction of almost all the group members was that the answer to such a question was quite obvious; drawing on Scripture, somebody said, “well … God is love, as John expresses in his first letter” (1 Jn 4:8); another said, “God is our Father, as Jesus revealed to us” (Lk 11:2). But slowly we began to realize that, apart from these images of God found in the Bible, some other ideas of God may be found corridoring our minds as a result of our background, formation and past experience.
For instance, in consonance with the image of God adhered to by the third servant in the parable, we might still cling to the idea of God as being some kind of ruthless tyrant or judge who, with his black book at hand, delights in jotting down the faults of his human creatures to render them the punishment they deserve. This despotic image of God only serves to instil fear in the believer, propelling him/her to act out of fear from punishment rather than out of some more positive motivation. Perhaps, this idea of a tyrannical God who is to be feared is most highly manifested in scrupulous persons whose days are constantly haunted by guilt and fears that an angry God is always ready to condemn even their minute faults.
Another unhealthy image of God which unfortunately appears to be very well diffused is that of a slot machine. It is a very sad fact that for most Christians, prayer seems to be an activity which has its place only at times when problems and difficulties crop up, and takes the uniqe form of imploring divine help and assistance. Within such a narrow mentality, God is envisaged as some slot machine, whom we seek only when we are in need, rather that as our Beloved Creator who delights in relating to his human creatures.
As we are approaching the end of this liturgical year, may we reflect deeply and scrutinize our hearts to discern carefully what false images of God may still be keeping us captive. At the same time, let us open our minds and hearts to Christ allowing Him to teach us in prayer the true image of the Living God who is Love!
Prov 31: 10-13. 19-20. 30-31; Psalm 127; 1 Tess 5:1-6; Mt 25:14-30
“Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground” (Mt 25:24-25). This statement uttered by the third servant in the parable of the Talents, which the Church proclaims on this 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, induces us to ask ourselves and discern the kind of image we have of God.
Some years ago, I was at a retreat-seminar, and when time came for some sharing in groups, the retreat animator gave us one apparently simple question: ‘what image do I have of God?’ The instinctive reaction of almost all the group members was that the answer to such a question was quite obvious; drawing on Scripture, somebody said, “well … God is love, as John expresses in his first letter” (1 Jn 4:8); another said, “God is our Father, as Jesus revealed to us” (Lk 11:2). But slowly we began to realize that, apart from these images of God found in the Bible, some other ideas of God may be found corridoring our minds as a result of our background, formation and past experience.
For instance, in consonance with the image of God adhered to by the third servant in the parable, we might still cling to the idea of God as being some kind of ruthless tyrant or judge who, with his black book at hand, delights in jotting down the faults of his human creatures to render them the punishment they deserve. This despotic image of God only serves to instil fear in the believer, propelling him/her to act out of fear from punishment rather than out of some more positive motivation. Perhaps, this idea of a tyrannical God who is to be feared is most highly manifested in scrupulous persons whose days are constantly haunted by guilt and fears that an angry God is always ready to condemn even their minute faults.
Another unhealthy image of God which unfortunately appears to be very well diffused is that of a slot machine. It is a very sad fact that for most Christians, prayer seems to be an activity which has its place only at times when problems and difficulties crop up, and takes the uniqe form of imploring divine help and assistance. Within such a narrow mentality, God is envisaged as some slot machine, whom we seek only when we are in need, rather that as our Beloved Creator who delights in relating to his human creatures.
As we are approaching the end of this liturgical year, may we reflect deeply and scrutinize our hearts to discern carefully what false images of God may still be keeping us captive. At the same time, let us open our minds and hearts to Christ allowing Him to teach us in prayer the true image of the Living God who is Love!
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