We are reminded today that Jesus is the Image of the unseen God and a vessel of such perfect purity in His incarnation, that the fullness of God dwells within Him (cf Col 1:15-20). Indeed, what can be a perfect image of something, but the something itself? Even "identical" twins, are not perfect images of themselves. Only Jesus, begotten from the Father, is the perfect, unblemished image of God. As Saint Gregory Nazianzen says, "He is called 'the Image of God' because he is consubstantial with the Father. He proceeds from the Father; the Father does not proceed from him" (De Theologia, 30, 20). The Son and the Father are of the same nature, as opposed to man being made in the image of God from a different nature i.e. earth.
In the Gospel, we further explore the image of God in humanity. Jesus deftly casts aside the human laws relating to castes, races, gender, nationality... and implores us to recognise everyone as our neighbour. "The concept of 'neighbour' is now universalised'" (Benedict XVI, Deus caritas est, 15).
The current run in Luke's telling of the gospel harkens to Matthew's story of the king in chapter 25."Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me" (Matt 25:40). Again, here were are called to recognise the face of Jesus... the Image of God in all people.
Deo gratias
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