ALVAREZ: Made ‘In God’s Image’

Stained-glass of the Eucharist is seen at the Church of the Holy Innocents in San Salvador, El Salvador. (OSV News photo/Tyler Orsburn)Several years ago, I started losing pigmentation in my skin. A condition called vitiligo, which slowly starts changing the color of my dark, beautiful skin into a light or patchy and still beautiful skin. Doctors told me to avoid the sun. And well, that’s hard to do when you’re living in Texas, and I love the sun.  

I accommodated the instructions for a while, carrying a solar umbrella and improving my sun protection. I didn’t think much of it since it’s only an exterior appearance that does not affect much of my interior being. I wasn’t alarmed, but the remedies and concerns kept coming in from loved ones and friends.  

I still get stares, which is ironic because I don’t like to bring attention to myself since I’m the kind of person who would rather have someone else shine and take the spotlight. Children get concerned and think it hurts, so I’ll explain to them with a smile that I’m not in pain. 

Many times, they think it’s a burn since the discoloration is amplified on my face and hands. And I’ll usually see parents telling them not to stare. Youth catch me off guard because they’ll stop me and compliment me on my skin when I’m out and about with my kids. Teenagers approach me and tell me that they think my skin is beautiful. Those compliments are unexpected, because most of the time I forget about how I look. When it comes to adults, sometimes I don’t receive a Sign of Peace at Mass, or I’ll get a puzzled look. 

I bring this up to remind us that we are all made “In God’s Image;” we are created in the “Image” and “Likeness” of God (Gen 1:26). Adam and Eve, the first human persons, were created in perfect relationship with God, creation and one another. 

Their very persons — hence, our very persons — were created as a relational unity of body, soul, reason, will and emotion (Gen 2:7). Yet we know the story does not end there. We are also fallen. The consequence of the fall — of original sin — is reflected in the fracturing of this original unity.  As a result of original sin, human persons experience a certain original woundedness, expressed through the fragmentation of our relationships with God, one another, creation and within ourselves. 

However, God so loves us that He makes possible our redemption through the outpouring and self — gift of love itself in the person of Christ. Through Christ’s life, death and resurrection, we experience salvific grace, continually offered in and through our sacramental and communal life of faith.  

In conclusion, if we respond to Jesus in faith and put our trust in Him, who has entrusted us with all His grace, then we will experience this sanctification and have new life.   

October is the month of the Rosary. At a time of mental health crisis, join us in taking action as we accompany each other in prayer and ministry supporting this year’s USCCB theme “Healing and Hope” initiative. For more information, visit www.usccb.org/mental-health.

Locally, you are invited to attend the upcoming disability conference, “In God’s Image,” in which our holistic approach allows an opportunity to come together on Nov. 8. To learn more, visit https://archgh.swoogo.com/IGI2025

You are not alone! Come in person and connect with me and others who support all persons made “In God’s Image.”

Melissa Alvarez is an associate director with the Ministry with Persons with Disabilities of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.