The Pastor's Corner 

by Fr. Bob Hoffman

In Genesis 1:27, we read, “So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

This verse reminds us that we are each created in God’s image because of our human soul. As I often tell the students at Mass, this reminds us of our importance to God. And it should remind us of God’s love for us.

It also reminds us of the importance of others to God. Every other person that we encounter is also made in God’s image. Because of that, they have an inherent dignity that cannot be taken from them. It can be ignored. But it cannot be taken from them.

This inherent human dignity leads to inherent human rights. Rights that, again, cannot be taken away. One can fail to honor them, but they can never take them away.

It also reminds us that every other person is also loved by God. Even those that we do not find lovable. This does not mean that God condones bad behavior. It does mean that God loves them in spite of potential bad behavior. 

We must also love them. We must will good for them and be willing to help make that good come about if we have an opportunity. 

Love of neighbor means that we should not treat others poorly. Even when they treat us poorly. Jesus tells us that “an eye for an eye” is no longer acceptable. He showed us better. And he expects us to do better.

All of us need to remember that we are important to God. And we also need to remember that others are equally important to God.