“We are not some casual and meaningless product of evolution. Each one of us is the result of a thought of God.” Pope Benedict XV1
Long ago, Gepetto, the toymaker, carved for himself a puppet and called him Pinocchio. He made it lovingly in great detail, the jointed arms and legs, eyes, ears and nose were all carefully painted. He even sewed little clothes for him to wear. He was very pleased with the puppet because it was his own creation. It was so life-like, but he was very sad because Gepetto wanted a real boy to love and care for and as we know, that was not possible because Pinocchio needed a heart to be real.
We are Created To Love
God created everything, the light and dark, land and sea, fish, birds, animals and he thought that it was all good, even very good. Then God created us because he wanted someone to love him back. We are the high point, the best of his creation. He loves us because he made us. The toymaker loved the puppet he had made, but it was just a puppet and it was not in Gepetto’s power to give Pinocchio a heart. Of course this is not so for God. God wanted to make us just like himself, like God. He made us in the image of himself. How great is that!
We have big hearts
How can we be made in the image of God when we are so different culturally and physically, large, small, fair or dark. We are like God because he gave us a huge gift that is a heart, just like his, so we can love him back and love each other, our family, friends, those in need, everyone who hungers, hurts or is lost. He has given us a heart big enough to care for the whole world. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4: 7 – 8)
Prayer:
Thank you Father God, that we are not just puppets but real people, with hearts like yours of pure gold. May our hearts grow in care and respect for those around us: our friends, family, at home, at school, in all our activities. May our hearts grow in respect and care for ourselves as the amazing creation of a loving God. May the hearts around us be loving, care for us, encourage us and have our best interests in their hearts. May we have the stillness and silence to hear the loving words of God as He says, “You are my beloved child and I am well pleased with you.”
Written by Patricia Apps