There are so many images for God. We find them scattered through the stories and teachings in the Bible, woven into songs and hymns, lifted up in worship and prayer, and referred to in popular culture. There are powerful and transcendent images that immediately make sense as we talk about the creator of the universe, the source of all life, the one who transforms and brings resurrection. Then there are the images for God that surprise us.
In this week’s gospel, we hear that some religious leaders come to Jesus and tell him to leave Jerusalem (the political and religious center of their nation) because the Roman-installed ruler of the area wants to kill him. In his response to this report of a threat, Jesus does not use a typical image of power or strength or defiance. He dismisses the threat and talks about his concern for the people of Jerusalem using the tender image of a hen, gathering her chicks to shelter them under her wings. The attributes of a mother hen would have been well known to the people surrounding Jesus: protective, devoted, sacrificial, vulnerable, and faithful.
Various images of God resonate for us differently at different points in our lives. There are times when the majesty and power of God are front of mind. There are also times when God’s caring devotion for us and the whole world speaks to us with images like the mother hen. There are many facets to God’s presence in our lives. This means that there are endless ways that we will encounter God, countless images we may find descriptive and meaningful.
What images of God resonate with you today? Triumphant leader? Strong rock? Fountain of endless water? Faithful shepherd? Sheltering mother hen? There are countless ways we find God in our lives and countless ways we can try and describe God’s presence. May God come to you in both expected and surprising ways each day.
Peace,