The
Orthodox Christian Faith is enriched by icons. We surrounded ourselves with
these prayerfully-written images of Christ, the Theotokos, and the saints. Our
churches are full of icons, as are our homes. This is as it should be. In our
modern self-focused culture, we need visual reminders of God’s work in and
through the saints! These reminders in the form of icons challenge us to be
strong and live a life accordingly faithful.
There are
other icons that enrich our Faith as well. God has surrounded us with His
hand-written images of Christ in the form of every person around us. Our
churches are full of them, as are our homes. But He has not limited His
handwritten icons to the Church. They are all around us. If you are like me,
occasionally you may need a reminder that everyone – EVERYONE – is an icon of
Christ, written by God Himself, in His image. May this short post remind us of
that truth. So, that sweet lady at Church? Yes, she is an icon of Christ. The
person who just cut me off when driving? An icon. The persistent child
interrupting my phone conversation? An icon. That person who I struggle to
love? An icon. The famous person everyone gossips about? An icon. Those people
who live far away and very differently from me? They, too, are an icon. My spouse?
Also an icon, written in the image of (and by the Hand of) God.
Whether
or not we recognize His artistry, God has written (and is writing) each and
every person. Therefore, we must remember that He is at work in and through
them, then respond with the love and respect that we offer any other icon
reflecting His image. When we choose to see His work in each person, we will be
challenged by them to be strong and live our Christian life faithfully!
We must
be careful to note that this recognition of God’s work in writing the living
icons around us must not be limited to noting it in other people. In truth, we
ourselves are living icons, and should also be enriching the Church and our
world. In order to be the most reflective image of Him that we can be, we need
to cooperate with Him as he works in and through us. As we do so, He will
strengthen us and give us what we need to live the faithful Christian life
befitting an icon.
May God
help us all to live and love His image in every person!
Source: https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2017/05/17/on-living-icons/
CONVERSATION