Through God’s grace we can be restored and renewed, reclaiming the divine image and fulfilling the purpose for which we were created, writes Bishop Reynaldo Bunyi Getalado msp of the Catholic Church.

How do the astronauts see the Earth from above. From an outer space, an astronaut’s view of earth is nothing short of awe inspiring. They experience a profound sense of connection and wonder as they gaze upon the world. This unique vantage point allows them to see Earth in a way that is totally impossible from the ground, revealing the planet’s delicate beauty and the interconnectedness of all its ecosystem.

Many of them experienced a phenomenon known as overview effect, a cognitive shift in awareness that occurs when they observe Earth from space. From above the boundaries that divide the nations dissolve, and the vastness of the oceans, the lushness of the forests, and the arid deserts become part of a singular, harmonious whole. For astronauts, this view is both humbling and enlightening, fostering a deep appreciation for the planet’s natural beauty.

This awe-inspiring beauty of Earth and heavens reflects how nature itself bears witness to the glory and craftsmanship of God in Psalm 19:1 it says, that the heavens declare the glory of God, the vault of heaven proclaims his handiwork.

However, alongside the harmony and beauty of Earth from above lies a stark contrast in human experience. The divisions that fragment our world. These divisions manifest in many forms, cultural, religious, political and economics.  These divisions are not inherent to the earth itself but a product of human actions.  The irony is that the Earth could provide everything necessary for life, yet human divisions often lead to scarcity, inequality and poverty. Because of our human actions we are destroying the unique harmonious balance in nature.

We have only one home, and we call it Mother Earth. We are gifted from above this beautiful Earth, yet slowly we are destroying it by our human actions. The Earth is so majestic looking from above, a reflection of God’s creating power, yet looking at down below we see divisions, conflicts, and poverty – a reflection of human action.

God also created human being. The Bible paints a picture of humanity’s inherent beauty and goodness. The Scripture’s most powerful affirmations of human dignity and worth is found in Genesis 1: 26 – 27

God said, let us make man in our own image, in the likeness of ourselves and let them be masters of the fish of the sea, the birds of heaven, the cattle, all the wild beasts and all the reptiles that crawl upon earth. God created man in the image of himself, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them.  (Jerusalem Bible)

This passage reveals that human being was purposefully created by God and not mere accidents of nature.

What then is human being.

1. Inherent dignity and worth. We human being as created in the image and likeness of God means we are not just something, but someone. We are capable of self-knowledge, of self-possession and of freely giving oneself and entering into communion with other persons. This divine likeness imbues us with inherent goodness and beauty that is a reflection of God’s own character.
2. Capacity for relationship with God. Created in the image of God means human are capable of knowing and loving their Creator in freedom. This unique capacity for human-divine relationship sets us apart from other creatures.
3. Call to manifest God’s likeness. While the image of God is inherent gift from God, the choice to express that dignity manifest it to the full depends on each person’s free and responsible decision. We are called to grow in likeness of God through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
4. Basis for human rights and dignity. We see in all men and women, in every person, the living image of God Himself, which is the foundation for defending universal human rights and dignity.
5. The crown of Creation. Psalmist David, in his reflection on humanity’s place in the created order, marvels at the unique position God have granted us. In Psalm 8: 4 – 6. What is man that you should spare a thought for him, the son of man that you should care for him? Yet you have made him little less than a God, you have crowned him with glory and splendor, made him lord over the work of your hands, set all things under his feet. (Jerusalem Bible)

Conclusion

The Bible offers a profound and uplifting view of humanity. From the beginning of creation, we are marked by the image and likeness of God, endowed with beauty, dignity, and capacity for goodness. We are called to reflect this goodness through lives of holiness and love, and hoping someday we share in the glory of Christ. In the world that often diminishes the value of human life, the scriptures remind us of our worth and the divine beauty that is within us.

However, the reality of sin introduces a tragic contradiction to this divine image.  Sin, in its essence, is the rejection of God’s will and a deviation from the path of righteousness. This not only separates us from God but also distorts the image of God within us.

Roman 3: 23 says, Sin causes us to fall short of the glory that God intended for us and leading to spiritual death. The consequences of sin, it affects our relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves. When we sinned, it diminishes the dignity, self-worth, and the image of God within us. Sin creates a ripple effect of brokenness and discord, distancing us from the love and harmony that God desires for his creation. God has a beautiful plan for us human. No wonder God created us in his image.  Sin destroys that plan of God. Yet through God’s grace we can be restored and renewed, reclaiming the divine image and fulfilling the purpose for which we were created.

Just like the majestic Earth a reflection of God’s glory, human actions are responsible for its destruction. Also, the human being, a reflection of God’s image, our sins are responsible for our alienation with God and one another.