Milton, a Bengali who is studying to become a Xaverian in Bangladesh, shares with us a reflection on God’s image about his country.
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human person is the high point of God’s creation. God said “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our
likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of sea, and over birds of
air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over
every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” So God created humankind in his image.” (Gen. 1:26-27)
Unfair Competition
Today, though, tidal waves of science wash over the whole world. Human beings are submerged by the waters of modern civilization. Often faith is tried, love is challenged and hope seems an illusion. Humanity and humility can be undermined in this scientific age.
Our heavenly God became human to prove how much he loves us; by becoming a human being in Jesus, he made himself one with us. The Son of God, our beloved brother Jesus Christ, is fully human.
Paradoxically, globalization increases individualism and helps to make the world more one at the same time.
Yet, it is often the countries of the so-called Third World which are not yet ready to take part of this competition. My own country, Bangladesh, is a case in point. It is a small country, with a large population and with a very high birth rate; this means that day after day the population grows even more. Most people here are very poor and have not had the benefits of higher education. Poverty wastes their intelligence and talent.
Unequal Treatment
There are many tribal groups in Bangladesh, especially along our country’s borders. The Church here is especially present and active among these peoples, particularly through the work of the missionaries. One of the tribal peoples, “the Santal,” live in the northwest corner of Bangladesh. In the past the Santal gathered their food by hunting, but today they have mainly become farmers.
Last year, out of personal interest, I visited some Santali villages. Out of curiosity, I went to the village market with a few of my new Santali friends. On our way back, we joined a tea party at a small tea-stall. When I entered, everyone looked at me in surprise. This made me feel uncomfortable, especially since I did not understand why they were looking at me in this way.
Finally I realized that they were surprised to see me, an outsider, with the Santali; they are a people who are considered to be of a very low caste. I noticed that the waiter served me in a more respectful way, while my friends were given their food on cheaper plates.
The Image of God
I was really surprised to see in this way how, although these people all live together in the same village, they were divided because of the caste system. I was very shocked. I cannot understand why one person should treat another in this way.
This little incident helped me to understand the love of God. Our heavenly God became human to prove how much he loves us; by becoming a human being in Jesus, he made himself one with us. The Son of God, our beloved brother Jesus Christ, is fully human. Through this incarnation, all human beings have become the image of God, regardless of class or caste.
(From Mission: The Xaverian Way - Winter 2001)