There are people who regret not to have been among those who walked the paths of Palestine when Jesus himself was doing so – they would have seen him with their own eyes!
More people still lament the fact that God is… invisible – if only they could get a glimpse of him, they say they would be satisfied!
The first words of the 2nd reading of this Sunday have a message for all of them, for all of us indeed (Colossians 1:15-20).
Writing to the Colossians, the apostle Paul tells them:
“Christ is the image of the invisible God”.
Christ – Jesus of Nazareth, yes, but this same Jesus risen and alive eternally, Christ the Lord.
This means that whatever we see in him is also present in God himself.
His attention to those around him: “Someone touched me…” (Luke 8:46).
His concern for those following him: “They have been with me for three days and they have nothing to eat…” (Matthew 15:32).
His compassion for those in need: “He felt compassion for them, they were like sheep without a shepherd…” (Mark 6:34).
His closeness to us: “I do not call you servants, I call you friends…” (John 15:15).
His readiness to help: “I will go and heal him…” Matthew 8:7).
His reassurance in answer to our needs: “Ask and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7)
His sorrow for our lack of understanding: “If you had only understood on this day the message of peace…” (Luke19:42).
His love: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you…” (John 15:9).
THIS is God –
the nearness of God, the concern of God, his compassion, his readiness to come to our help, his regret that we do not understand his ways, his love…
If looking for an ‘image’ of God… this is it, so clearly ‘visible’!
Note: another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/15e-dimanche-de-lannee-c-2022/