Genesis 1:27 We are created in His image

So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them. 

When you hear the words, “ made in God’s image,” what comes to mind?
That you look and act like God?
That you are His reflection?

The Catholic Church teaches that being made in God's image is the foundation for human dignity, moral responsibility, and our ultimate call to eternal communion with Him. This truth is both awe-inspiring and deeply humbling.

A Glove Without a Hand

Let’s consider another powerful image: a glove. A glove is made in the image of a hand. It has fingers, a palm, and a shape that mirrors the hand perfectly. Yet, on its own, it is lifeless. It cannot grasp, carry, clean, or collect. It remains empty, incapable of fulfilling the purpose for which it was designed.

But when a hand fills the glove, everything changes. The glove now moves, holds, serves, and creates. It finds its true meaning and purpose. So it was effective not in itself, but in being filled and used by the hand in whose image it was made.

We are like that glove. We are made in the image of God, yet without Him, we remain empty, unable to truly live out our purpose. Jesus Himself said, “Apart from me you can do nothing”. Until we allow God to dwell in us, filling us with His Spirit and guiding our lives, we will always feel a sense of emptiness and incompleteness.

Finding Fulfillment in Him

The world constantly tells us to seek fulfillment in earthly things - success, relationships, wealth, and status. But none of these things can truly complete us. Saint Augustine understood this when he wrote, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” Our ultimate fulfillment comes from being filled with God allowing Him to work through us, shaping our lives according to His divine plan.

Scripture reassures us of this divine filling: “But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us”. In ourselves, we are fragile like clay jars, prone to breaking, weakness, and failure. Yet, when we are filled with God, we can do all the work He calls us to do. It is precisely because of our fragility we recognize that it is God who works in great things in and through us.

Embracing the Image

If you have ever felt lost, inadequate, or unworthy, remember: He formed you with intention. But just as a glove needs a hand, you need His presence in your life to fulfill the purpose for which you were created.

So, how can we allow God to fill us?

Through Prayer – Open your heart daily to His guidance. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8)

Through the Sacraments – Especially the Eucharist, where Christ fills us in the most profound way. “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them” (John 6:56)

Through Service and Love – Reflecting His image by living as He calls us to. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

You were not created to be empty. You were made to be filled, to be used by God, to be a vessel of His love and grace. May we all embrace the truth of being made in His image, surrendering to His Will, and finding the true fulfillment that only He can provide.

The Currency of Heaven: What Truly Matters

We all deal with currency every day whether it's Rupees in India or Dollars in the U.S. But have you ever considered what currency is valid in heaven? Let’s reflect on this through a simple analogy.

The Validity of Currency 

Imagine taking Rupees to the U.S. and trying to buy something. Would it be accepted? No. 

Similarly, if you bring U.S. Dollars to India and try to use them directly, will they be accepted? Again, no.

But can you use both currencies at the same time in the same place? No as you can only use the one that is valid where you are.

The same principle applies to life and eternity. The currency we deal with on earth which is money, possessions, achievements is valid only in this world. But in heaven, these hold no value.

The Currency of Heaven: Obedience to God

In heaven, there is only one currency: obedience to God. The only thing that will matter in eternity is how obedient we were to His will. This is what determines our eternal fate. 

And the only place where we can earn this currency is here on earth.

Consider this: If you move to the U.S. with one million Rupees (and there are no currency exchange counters available), and an officer asks you to pay an entry fee, will you be able to? No, because Rupees are not a recognized currency there.

In the same way, if we reach the gates of heaven without obedience to God we won’t have what is needed to enter.

Recognizing True Value

Let’s take another example. Is 10 Dollars worth more than 10 Rupees? Of course. 

But if you offer 10 Dollars to a beggar in India, he will dismiss it as worthless and discard it, not realizing its true value simply because he doesn’t see how it can help him in his immediate situation and survival.

This is exactly how many people treat the Word of God. Prophets, saints, and Scripture show us the way to eternal life, yet we often reject their teachings, thinking they have no relevance to our daily struggles. 

We assume that obedience to God won’t help us with our immediate needs like our careers, finances, or personal challenges and so we cast it aside, just like that foolish beggar.

But in reality, the Word of God is not just about the afterlife; it transforms our earthly lives as well. 

Living According to God’s Will

Thankfully, we don’t have to choose between worldly currency and heavenly currency. Both play a role in our lives, and when used correctly, they complement each other.

Rupees and Dollars are essential for our daily needs. The key is ensuring that our pursuit of material needs is guided by godly wisdom. 

Money, when used righteously, becomes a tool for good rather than a source of anxiety, greed, or corruption. 

Ignoring His Word doesn’t just endanger our eternal future; it robs us of a richer, more meaningful life here and now.

God's Word teaches us integrity, patience, and love. When we use these virtues to build our wealth  we find peace in turmoil, strength in weakness, and purpose in uncertainty. Leading to far greater success and fulfillment.

Make the Right Choice Today

The choices we make today determine our eternity. Are we only storing up wealth that perishes, or are we gathering the treasures in Heaven?

Let us choose today to be obedient to God in our thoughts, words, and deeds. By doing so, we secure not only a fulfilling life here but also an eternal place in His presence.

Let’s recognize the worth of God’s Word and live according to His will.

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" – Mark 8:36

Idolatry in Desperation

I remember when I first learned about manifestation techniques. They all had one common principle: Ask with trust, and you will receive. It seemed simple. If I truly believed something was coming to me, it would. But there was one catch when desperation crept in, nothing worked.

Today, during prayer, I had an unexpected revelation.

Desperation as a Hidden Form of Idolatry

We tend to think of idols as golden calves, statues, or material possessions. But idolatry is much more subtle. It is anything that takes the place of God in our hearts.  

When we become desperate for something whether it is a job, a relationship, a healing, or even a spiritual experience we often shift our focus away from God and toward that thing itself. In that moment, our deepest trust is no longer in God’s plan but in our own need to control the outcome.

This is idolatry. 

What we desire consumes our thoughts, dictates our emotions, and determines our peace thus becoming an idol in our life. 

And the irony? The very thing we are desperate for starts to destroy us.

Scripture Warns Us About This

The Bible repeatedly tells us to trust in God rather than our own desires. Consider this passage:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, RSVCE)

When we trust Him fully, our hearts remain at peace, even when we don’t see immediate results. But when we place our ultimate hope in anything outside of God, we set ourselves up for anxiety, disappointment, and even spiritual downfall.

The Israelites did this when they made the golden calf (Exodus 32). Instead of waiting patiently for Moses to return with God’s word, they let their fear and impatience drive them to create their own object of security. The result? Chaos, destruction, and separation from God.

The Antidote: Surrender and Patience

God calls us to trust in His timing, even when waiting feels unbearable. Jesus Himself modeled this trust perfectly. When faced with suffering in Gethsemane, He prayed:

“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42, RSVCE)

This is the posture we are called to have. Not a desperate grasping for what we want, but a peaceful surrender to God’s perfect plan.

Breaking Free from the Cycle of Desperation

So how do we stop making idols out of our desires?

1. Examine Your Heart: Ask yourself, Is this thing I’m desperate for taking up more space in my heart than God?
2. Pray for Trust, Not Just Results: Instead of only asking God for what you want, pray for the grace to trust His timing.
3. Surrender Daily: Make a habit of saying, “Lord, I surrender this desire to You. If it is Your will, let it be done in Your time.”
4. Seek God First: Jesus said, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” (Matthew 6:33, RSVCE) When we put God first, everything else falls into place.

Conclusion: Let God Be God

Desperation blinds us. It makes us forget who is truly in control. But when we release our grip and trust God fully, we find peace, freedom, and, in His perfect time, the blessings He has planned for us.

If you are in a season of waiting, let this be a reminder: God sees you. He knows your desires. And He has not forgotten you. Trust Him, and let Him be the Lord of your life, not just in words, but in the deepest desires of your heart.

How do you react when others entitlement troubles you

When faced with someone’s entitlement like an expectation of special treatment, a lack of gratitude, or an unwillingness to consider others, it can be frustrating and even irritating. 

However, as Catholics, we are called to respond not with resentment, but with grace, patience, and wisdom.

1. Reflect on Christ’s Example

Jesus encountered entitlement many times, from the Pharisees to His own disciples arguing about who was the greatest (Luke 22:24-26). Yet, He responded with humility and service, reminding us that “the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves”. 

When entitlement irritates you, pause and ask: How would Jesus respond?

2. Pray for the Person and Yourself

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, known for her “Little Way,” dealt with difficult people in her convent by offering her irritation as a sacrifice to God. Instead of reacting harshly, she would pray for them and see each challenge as an opportunity for holiness.

Try saying a quick prayer: Lord, grant me patience and help me see this person as You do.

3. Practice Humility and Mercy

St. Francis of Assisi embraced humility, even when others were entitled or ungrateful. He chose to love rather than resent. When someone’s entitlement bothers you, consider responding with mercy. 

You don’t have to enable bad behavior, but you can choose not to let it harden your heart.

4. Set Boundaries with Charity

St. Mother Teresa was kind but firm. She served tirelessly, but she also knew when to say “no” and when to correct with love. 

If someone’s entitlement is affecting you negatively, it is okay to set boundaries while still acting with Christian charity.

5. Offer It as a Spiritual Sacrifice

If the entitlement of others irritates you, turn that frustration into a sacrifice for your own spiritual growth or for the salvation of souls. 

Suffering, when united with Christ, becomes redemptive.

In moments of frustration, ask yourself: Is this an opportunity for me to grow in patience, humility, or mercy? 

By responding with faith, you not only keep your peace but also witness to Christ’s love.

Genesis 32 Jacob wrestlers with God

²⁴ And Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. ²⁵ When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and Jacob’s thigh was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. ²⁶ Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” ²⁷ And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” ²⁸ Then he said, “Your name shall no more be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” ²⁹ Then Jacob asked him, “Tell me, I pray, your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. ³⁰ So Jacob called the name of the place Peni′el, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.” 

Jacob’s encounter at the Jabbok River is one of the most profound moments of transformation in Scripture. This event is not just about a physical struggle but a spiritual battle that reshaped Jacob’s identity and deepened his dependence on God.

Fear and the Weight of the Past

Jacob was “greatly afraid and distressed” (Genesis 32:7, RSVCE) as he prepared to meet his brother Esau. Years earlier, he had deceived his father Isaac and stolen Esau’s blessing (Genesis 27). Though God had blessed Jacob abundantly, he was still haunted by his past.

Fear often arises when we focus on past mistakes rather than God’s promises. Despite witnessing God’s power and angels meeting him on the way (Genesis 32:1-2), Jacob still resorted to human schemes, preparing gifts to appease Esau, placing himself last in the procession, etc.

Like Jacob, we sometimes attempt to fix problems ourselves instead of trusting God’s mercy.

A Night of Struggle: Wrestling with God

Left alone in the dark, Jacob wrestled with “a man” until dawn (Genesis 32:24). This was no ordinary man but God Himself in human form, a Christophany (a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ).

Why did God wrestle with Jacob? 

It was to transform him. Jacob had spent his life deceiving, striving, and controlling. Even now he was trusting his schemes more than God's promise to "do him good". If he trusted he would have gone first in the procession.

The fight continued until God touched Jacob’s hip, dislocating it (Genesis 32:25). With one touch, God showed that He could have ended the struggle instantly. But He didn’t because this entire action was about breaking Jacob’s self-reliance.

A New Identity: From Jacob to Israel

As dawn broke, Jacob refused to let go: “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” (Genesis 32:26, RSVCE). This was not the demand of a defiant man but the cry of a broken one. He had been physically weakened but spiritually awakened.

Then God asked, “What is your name?” (Genesis 32:27). This was not for information but for confession. Years earlier, when Jacob stole Esau’s blessing, he had lied about his name (Genesis 27:19). Now, he had to face the truth that he was Jacob, the deceiver.

But God gave him a new name: Israel which means "one who strives with God”. Jacob had struggled with God and people, yet now he had overcome, not by his own strength, but by surrender.

Broken Yet Blessed

With his hip dislocated, Jacob could no longer run, or rely completely on himself. Every step of his limp would remind him that true strength comes from God, not from human effort.

In our own lives, God may allow struggles to break our self-reliance. Like Jacob, when we surrender, we find that our greatest victory is not in overpowering, but in beleieveing in God’s grace.

Key Lessons from Jacob’s Wrestling

• Transformation requires surrender – Jacob’s fight with God was about breaking his old nature and making him dependent on God’s mercy.
• Past sins should lead to repentance, not fear – Like Jacob, we may fear the consequences of our past, but God calls us to trust in His grace.
• Real victory comes through faith, not control – Jacob didn’t win by defeating God but by clinging to Him in weakness.

May we, like Jacob, hold onto God in desperate faith.