Mystic Mantra: Created in God’s image and likeness

If one goes by the findings of a survey that appeared on the Internet recently, one would be quite discouraged at the start of the year. The survey finds that most people end up breaking their New Year resolutions within the first three weeks. By January 19, to be more precise. Though there are other surveys suggesting slightly different results, in general they all conclude that most people, with few exceptions, are unable to abide by those earnestly made resolutions. Those of us serious about remaining faithful to them might like to look at the reasons and suggestions offered to succeed in persevering with those resolutions.

While those suggestions might be practical and useful, it might be useful for us to turn our attention to the spiritual side of this reality. The Bible teaches us that we are “created in the image and likeness of God”. We therefore carry within us a divine stamp. It means that we are, in addition to our human nature, spiritual beings, endowed with a soul and a spirit. That being so, we need constantly to turn to our origin which is rooted in God.

I am thankfully reminded of one of my favourite hymns with lovely musical notes that we often devoutly sing in the church during our morning worship — the Holy Mass — and which is so refreshing and reassuring that one might like to repeat it endlessly. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, new every morning. Great is your faithfulness, Oh! Lord…”, is how the hymn progresses.

True, as human beings we might fail not only in keeping our New Year resolutions but also in other plans. Sometimes they may be caused by external forces and circumstances and sometimes due to certain people who would like to put us down for their own advantage. Other times those failures may be because of our own negligence and slackness. Whatever the cause for our inability to cope with our plans and resolutions, we can always turn to God who has not only created us but who is deeply interested in our physical well-being and our spiritual growth.

The Bible teaches us about God’s constant care and unfailing love for us. “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures, where He gives me repose; near restful waters he leads me to revive my drooping spirit”. It further assures us, “Even if I walk in darkness, no evil would I fear, because you [God] are there with your staff [support and protection]”.

In good times or bad, let us confidently sing: “God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning…”