Catechesis:

Veneration of Images (like Crucifix) and Adoration of Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist

I had interesting chat with a friend of mine, from another faith who did ask me during our conversation: 

Fr Justus, as you know many Catholics are my friends and they are my brothers and sisters in Christ. You know well, I do like the Catholic Church and respect the orderliness in your Catholic Church. However, I have problem on why the Catholic Church members worship images? Could you tell me why the Catholic people worship Images? The Bible itself tells us that “You shall not have another God except me.” God says clearly in Exodus that; we should not make any graven images etc. So, what is going on in the Catholic Church with worshipping images, bowing, and kneeling before them as God?

I know people do think Catholic worship images, and even some Catholics feel so challenged whenever they are confronted with the above question about images in the Church. Such questions challenge us to defend our faith and create opportunity for other brothers and sisters from other faith, to learn more about our faith. 1 Peter 3:15, says, be ready to give explanation of your faith to those who asked for it. Again, that conversation opened my eyes wide to that. So, I feel like sharing few summaries of my response about “Images of God,” and facts, that Catholics do not worship Images. Most often, we are confronted with such questions, and people most times are asking to know. It is our duty, to give explanations to our faith, in respect to other faith. Below is response I would like to share as catechesis, in case, you may find it helpful:

Few summaries of my response to our conversation: I know many Churches feel that the Catholic Church worships images. In the real sense of it, we do not worship Images. Yes, it is true that God said do not make any graven images in (Exodus 20:4-5) However, the Catholic Church worship God and not Images. It is good to first ask the question here; what is worship? There are different types of worship, depending on the hierarchies of adoration, devotion and honor or respect paid to what is divine. Hence, our worship can be understood in degrees of devotion given only to God, in this case, theologically called Latria, and the reverence or homage given to the saints which could be (Hyperdulia or Dulia). Our use of these images or objects stems from the fact that we as human beings are rational, and we find it easier to make use of aids that help to link us to the divine. Certainly, we are created in the image and likeness of God. We are somehow carrying in our lives, the Image of God, the face of God. Therefore, human beings point out the reality of God. When we respect a human person because he is the image of God, it does not mean that the person is God. Human beings are the representation of God. The notion of representation runs through the Scripture if you recall the notion of the “Imago Dei” (the Image of God). For God created man in his own image and likeness, in the image of God He created man (Gen. 1:26-27). Humanity is therefore naturally wired to operate with creative images that can be reproduced in diverse forms. The picture of a new house on paper reminds one of how the real house would be. To admire the work on paper does not mean that one has already entered the building. In our lives as human beings, we always need pictures and representations to help our understanding. Something it aids us to communicate what is in our hearts. Even God revealed Himself in the things He had created. Those things are not God, but we see God in them. God reveals Himself in the nature, and nature itself proclaims the glory of God, just as Psalm 19:1, says, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims the work of His hands.” The Images you see in the Catholic Church, are manifestations of God’s creative glory, presence. They help humanity to connect to divinity. They remind us about a great God who puts everything together. God reveals Himself in those created things, including trees, hills mountains and valleys, the ocean, the sun, and the stars.  

When we bow before a sacred image, our heart is with God, just as we salute our flag bearing our country in mind. We are not just honoring our flag, but rather, we honor our country, “the United States of America.” So, the honor does not go to the flag, it goes to the country. The honor people give to the sacred images goes to God, and not to the image. We do not worship Images. Remember that the term “worship” could signify adoration, honor, or reverence. Lawyers always bow to senior Judges in a magistrate court, but it does not imply ‘adoration’ but a simple etiquette of respect. With this gesture of respect, we cannot say that lawyers worship judges.

Finally, the worship of God first comes from the heart, and not by movement of the body. You can be laying down and still be worshipping God with your mind and heart. You may be sitting and be worshipping God at the same time. Your mind and your heart take you to God and that is why you bow. The Church is both visible and invisible. The visible reminds and connects us spiritually, to what is invisible!

God’s Blessings upon you!