The Visible Image Of God

THE VISIBLE IMAGE OF GOD

Wherever you are, remember you are in God’s loving presence. Close your eyes to dismiss any distractions. Open your hands as a way of doing with your body what you long for your heart and soul to do. Breathe in deeply and out slowly to relax your mind and your heart.

a prayer to open

Open me to your love, Lord.

In your great mercy, open me to your love.

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.

He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,

for through him God created everything

in the heavenly realms and on earth.

He made the things we can see

and the things we can’t see—

such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.

Everything was created through him and for him.

He existed before anything else,

and he holds all creation together.

Christ is also the head of the church,

which is his body.

He is the beginning,

supreme over all who rise from the dead.

So he is first in everything.

For God in all his fullness

was pleased to live in Christ,

and through him God reconciled

everything to himself.

He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth

by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.

Lectio Divina #1

Read today’s passage slowly and out loud. Pay attention to the word or phrase that stands out to you.

• What do you sense God is saying to you through that word or phrase? Take a minute to listen.

Lectio Divina #2

Read today’s passage a second time, again slowly and out loud. Listen for what invitation God may be extending to you through the word or phrase you identified.

• How does the word or phrase apply to your life right now? Take a minute to listen.

Lectio Divina #3

Read today’s passage for a third time, and then enter into a conversation with God. Remember that you are in his loving presence. Present your questions, concerns, resistance, and repentance.

• What image of God do you hold that is different from your image of Jesus?
• How does Jesus as the visible image of God influence how you view God and his love?

Loving God, thank you for pouring out your love to me and for me and in me.

Thank you for loving me. I am yours. Amen and amen.