The Greek translation for the Hebrew word image is eikon or icon. When ever I read or hear the word icon I think of the icons that hang on the wall in the study at the house or the icon on my desk at work. The wikki definiton of an icon is “it is a sign or likeness that stands for an object by signifying or representing it either concretely or by analogy.” The icons of Jesus, the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) and St. Benedict are there to remind me of their presence; to remind me to love God and to love others.
In the book 40 Days Living the Jesus Creed Scott McKnight reminds us we are icons. We are created to love God, love others, love ourselves, and love the world God has given to us. We were created to reflect and manifest God to the world around us. We become the icons we were meant to be when we love, when we live the Jesus Creed.
The hard part for me is to be aware constantly that the reason I’m created is to be an icon. That is what Lent is for; to remind me to live as an icon for 40 days or at least to be aware I should be living that way. Some days I get it, other days well….
