Jesus is the very imprint of the being of God. He shows by words and deeds what it means to mirror faithfully the God who created us in his image.
No one has ever seen God. Nor can we go near the light where he dwells. But this invisible and unapproachable King of kings is visible and approachable though Jesus, his exact image.
That is because the Word has become flesh in Jesus. This only Son, God, who is very close to the Father, has revealed him. Yes, “no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
And so, the just and saving King who comes riding on an ass is the perfect image of God. This lowly King who proclaims peace to the nations is none other than Jesus. He is meek and humble of heart. He mirrors, therefore, the merciful and gracious God who is slow to anger and rich in kindness and faithfulness.
And surely, the friend of tax collectors and sinners is the image of God who does not leave his stiff-necked people. That is why whoever sees Jesus sees the Father who forgives us and takes us as his own. So we rejoice heartily. We sing: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
Needless to say, to mirror the one who made us in his image, it is enough to mirror Jesus.
Are we true images of Jesus? Or could we be reflecting not the Tempted One but the tempter? The former denounces all presumption, conceitedness and idol worship. The latter, in contrast, covets worldly kingdoms; he wants us to kneel before power, wealth and greatness.
Do we, simple, humble, meek, mortified and zealous, acknowledge prayerfully (SV.EN IX:284) that we cannot do without grace? Do we reflect the one who is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn from the dead? That is to say, do we show ourselves risen with Jesus, living now according to the flesh, not the Spirit?
Moreover, do we follow the model Jesus left us? He gave his body up and shed his blood for us.
Lord Jesus, one with you and praying also with St. Vincent de Paul (SV.FR XII:170), we thank the Father for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom to the childlike. Make us like you, meek and humble of heart, merciful towards the weak, laboring and burdened like ourselves.
9 July 2017
14th Sunday in O.T. (A)
Zech 9, 9-10; Rom 8, 9. 11-13; Mt 11, 25-30
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