I am writing this column on Oct. 7. I read an article this morning recounting some of the terror and atrocities in Israel one year ago and it was very difficult to read. It was a poignant reminder of the despicable acts we are capable of if we lose respect for humanity, or if we cease to see our neighbor as being made in God’s image and likeness. It is vital that we never lose sight of the fact that every human being has intrinsic value because of the fact that we are made in God’s image and likeness. That is not to imply that what we do doesn’t matter; rather, it means that when I do evil, I am responsible for my actions and I may deserve punishment. It may be that I must be incarcerated to keep others in society safe from violence or theft, but if I do evil, I still retain my value since my value comes from being made in God’s image and likeness. Nothing I could do changes that. This understanding of humanity is the cornerstone of loving our neighbors. If I encounter a homeless person, I should see a person with value. If I encounter a murderer I should see a person with value. If I see a bully, I should see a person with value. I once heard Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart, Founder and Mother Servant, of the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth, recount a story of her visits and conversations with an inmate at a prison she visited. She encountered a man from a non-Catholic tradition who kept a stringent adherence to his religion and its fasting requirements. One day, the man challenged Mother Olga to keep a fast like he did. She agreed, but on the condition that the man kept the commandment that he had to love his enemy and pray for him. After a period, the man confessed that walking in the path of a disciple of Jesus was too difficult. Dear brothers and sisters, we have to continually remind ourselves of where our value and the value of everyone else comes from. — Pat Arensberg is the Director of the Office for Evangelization and Family Life. Email him at [email protected]. For more information concerning the events of this office, visit us at mobilefaithformation.org