What is your image of God? This is a most important and profound question that needs to be considered. It begs our attention. It invites us to meditate. It requires us to ponder and seriously take the question to prayer. How do you see God? What is your image of him? Is God something that is light years in the future or someone from a galaxy far, far away? Is God real or is he a word in a book or a phrase in an article or a name in someone else’s prayer? Is God so big and powerful that he will crush you or is he a gentle giant that caresses you and holds you in the palm of his hand? Is your image of God that of a parent? Is he helpful, supportive, understanding as a parent or is he strict, punishing, abusive as a parent?  Do you see God as a father? Is he always there for you or is he always absent?  Perhaps you see God as a person who acts like a boss and is very demanding and not respectful of your time. Is he like a boss? Is he a good boss? Does he reward you for your hard work? Does he encourage you to be a better person? Does he care about you, your family, your future? Does he remind you to worship and rest on Sundays? Is he a good leader and a good shepherd? Do you hear his voice? Do you want to hear his voice? Is his voice pleasing or annoying to you?  Would you follow him? Does he lead you to places you do not want to go? Is your image of God a friendly one? Can you talk to him as a friend? Does he listen to you? Does he really listen to you? Are you the most important person in his life? Are you the apple of his eye? Can you count on him to keep a secret? Is he reliable? Does he walk, cry, celebrate with you? Is he there in good times and bad? What is your image of God? It is an important question to consider because how we see God is how we respond to him. If we see God as one who is distant, punishes and is unfair.  We become separated, hurtful, unjust.  But if we see God for who he is; kind, loving, generous, merciful, forgiving then our response should be the same since we are created in his image and likeness.  Fr. Ivan