A People Formed in the Image of Jesus

By Bishop Paul S. Loverde
Bishop of Arlington
(From the issue of 2/5/04)

The following homily was given by Bishop Paul S. Loverde during the Mass celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, on Feb. 1.

In today’s Opening Prayer, there is a bountiful and instructive image of who we are as the Church: "a people formed in the image of Your Son." The purpose of each church year is to help us grow in our understanding of how to be like Jesus — to be formed in His image. Today’s scripture readings reveal to us one aspect of Jesus’ life and mission, thereby giving us the opportunity to become more conformed to His image in our daily lives. Today’s scripture readings, especially the first — from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah, and the third — from the Gospel according to St. Luke, point out to us an essential aspect of Jesus’ life and mission: His role as God’s prophet. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us: "Jesus Christ is the one whom the Father anointed with the Holy Spirit and established as priest, prophet and king" (no. 783).

When we were baptized, we were also anointed and given a participation in these three offices of Christ — priest, prophet and king. As the celebrant anointed us with Sacred Chrism, he prayed: "As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life" (Ritual, no. 98). And the Catechism echoes this reality in these words: "The whole People of God participates in these three offices of Christ and bears the responsibilities for mission and service that flow from them" (no. 783).

So, then, if, as members of the Church, we are a people formed in the image of Christ, then an essential aspect of our Christian living and our participation in the Church’s mission is to share in Christ’s prophetic office — to be prophets. Again, the Catechism is clear about this. "Christ…fulfills this prophetic office, not only by the hierarchy…but also by the laity" (no. 904). "Lay people also fulfill their prophetic mission by evangelization, ‘that is, the proclamation of Christ by word and the testimony of life.’ For lay people, ‘this evangelization…acquires a specific property and peculiar efficacy because it is accomplished in the ordinary circumstances of the world’" (no. 905).

Therefore, being formed into Christ’s image includes sharing in Christ’s office of being a prophet. What is a prophet as understood in the scriptures? In today’s reading, we hear described the role of a prophet. The prophet is a person sent by God to speak the word of the Lord and not his or her own word. "…Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you….and tell them all that I command you." So, to be a prophet is to witness to the Lord, both in word and in action. This is the core of the "new evangelization", to which our Holy Father has been continually calling us ever since he began his Petrine ministry 25 years ago.

Where do we witness to the Truth in the name of the Lord? We begin within the family circle — the "domestic church." and then we go beyond to the neighborhood, the work place, the parish and the community. We witness in word and in action to the Truth that Jesus Christ is the One Saviour of the World, the only One in whom we find our strength, our hope and our life. We witness in word and in action to the Truth about human life — its sacredness and dignity from its first moment of conception all the way through to its last moment at natural death. We witness in word and in action to the Truth that marriage is the union of only one man with one woman. We witness to the Truth that social justice as taught by the Church must guide our decisions and interactions, including affordable housing and a living wage. But, to witness to the Truth in word and in action, we need to understand well the teachings of the Lord Jesus as they are given to us in the scriptures, through the living Tradition of the Church and by the Official Teaching Office of the Church (the Magisterium). This is why formation in our Catholic faith is so essential. This formation is lifelong, beginning in our Catholic schools and classes of religious education continuing on through youth ministry and extending into our adult lives. Within a month, the Season of Lent begins, a time offered to us by the Lord and His Church to be renewed in holiness and to become more informed about the teachings of our faith.

It is not easy to share in Christ’s prophetic office. Reaction to our witness can often be negative — in the form of ridicule, sarcasm, hostility and opposition. But, the Lord promises to be with us. He said to Jeremiah the prophet: "They will fight against you but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord." And Jesus promises us: "I am with you always, until the end of time," so "be not afraid."

In our sharing in Christ’s prophetic office, our attitude is essential. The only attitude we can have is that of Christ, Who, always speaking the Truth, was always revealing God’s love. Even in Nazareth when the people were all filled with fury at His Words and rose up, drove Him out of their town and led Him to the brow of the hill to hurl Him down headlong, Jesus continued to love them. He did not raise His voice in anger or condemnation, but silently passed through their midst and went away. Sharing in His role as His prophets, we must make every effort – and even struggle — to reflect His love — the love St. Paul describes in today’s second reading from his First Letter to the Corinthians. "Love is patient, love is kind. It is not…rude…not quick-tempered…. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." To live as God’s prophet with this attitude can only be learned in prayer — constant prayer before the Lord, especially before Him Eucharistically present.

Yes, as members of the Church, we are a people formed in the image of Jesus. This means that, united with Him and in His name, we are prophets in our daily circumstances, proclaiming that "Jesus is Lord" and that His Truth must guide all our decisions and actions. St. Francis of Assisi puts it so well: "Preach always; use words, if necessary." Amen.

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