“And God said: Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness” (Genesis 1:26).
Anyone who wishes to build a bridge or a ladder to reach God must begin with a sincere look within themselves. We are creatures made in the image of God, and, surprisingly, nothing is closer to us than our own essence, which reflects the Creator. When we search for the Author of our existence, we find God. There is no other foundation, nor any other material that makes up our nature, except that which comes from Him. Our entire existence, from our beginning to our ultimate purpose, belongs entirely to God, for we were created for Him and by Him.
As we reflect on who we are, we realize that our nature is the very image of God, and the destiny for which we were created is to be in full communion with Him. Our greatest good, our true purpose, is in God, who is our supreme and eternal end. This deep and eternal bond between us and our Creator requires from us not only recognition, but also a response of gratitude and total surrender. Recognizing that all we have and are belongs to Him leads us to seek His will with a humble and obedient heart.
This obedience is the key to walking toward the destiny for which we were created: to live eternally with God and with Jesus. It is by bowing in submission to His authority and striving to faithfully follow His commandments that we align ourselves with the divine purpose. Each act of obedience brings us closer to the heavenly home He has prepared for us, where joy will be complete and communion with Him will be eternal. -Adapted from R. Bellarmine. See you tomorrow, if the Lord allows us.
Pray with me: Dear God, as I look within myself, I see that I was created in Your image and that my entire existence belongs to You. You are the foundation of all that I am, the Author of my life, and the supreme destiny for which I was made. Help me to recognize Your presence in my essence and to seek You sincerely, knowing that nothing is closer to me than the reflection of Your love and Your perfection.
My Father, I acknowledge that my greatest purpose is to be in full communion with You. Teach me to respond to Your love with gratitude and total surrender. I want to live with a humble and obedient heart, seeking Your will in all that I do. May my life be a constant expression of praise to You, who created me to live with You eternally.
Oh, Most Holy God, I praise You for inviting me to live in obedience and faithfulness to Your commandments. Thank You because, by following Your will, I take steps toward the eternal destiny You have prepared for me. May each act of submission to Your plan bring me closer to the heavenly home, where joy will be complete and communion with You will be perfect forever. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your mighty Law walks beside me. Your commandments are like the stars that dot the sky of my existence with light and hope. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
