RIGHT HAND OF GOD
In Scripture, the right hand often represents strength, power, and authority. This imagery stems from the common understanding that most people are right-handed, making it the dominant and stronger hand. The Book of Exodus illustrates this, stating, “Your right hand, O LORD, glorious in power – your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy” (Ex 15:6).
The right hand also signifies a position of honor and privilege. In ancient royal courts, sitting at the king’s right hand meant being second in command, akin to a prime minister or queen. We see this in Psalm 45:9, which says, “daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.” This imagery is further reinforced in 1 Kings 2:19, where King Solomon honors his mother Bathsheba by placing her throne at his right hand.
In the New Testament, the right hand of God takes on even greater significance in relation to Jesus Christ. After His ascension, Jesus is described as being seated at the right hand of the Father. As St. Mark writes, “So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God” (Mk 16:19). This position emphasizes Christ’s divine authority and His role as mediator between God and humanity.
The Catholic Church teaches that Christ’s seat at the right hand of the Father signifies the inauguration of the Messianic Kingdom. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Henceforth Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father: ‘By “the Father’s right hand” we understand the glory and honor of divinity, where he who exists as Son of God before all ages, indeed as God, of one being with the Father, is seated bodily after he became incarnate and his flesh was glorified'” (CCC 663).
This exalted position of Christ is not merely symbolic but has real implications for our salvation. As St. Paul writes to the Ephesians, God “raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion” (Eph 1:20-21). From this position, Christ intercedes for us and guides His Church.
For us as Christians, the concept of God’s right hand offers both comfort and challenge. It reminds us of God’s power to protect and save us, as expressed in Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
At the same time, it calls us to strive for righteousness, knowing that at the final judgment, Christ will separate the righteous to His right hand (Mt 25:33-34). This should inspire us to live out our faith through works of mercy and love, always seeking to be worthy of a place at God’s right hand.
As we reflect on this powerful biblical imagery, let us be encouraged by the strength and authority of our Lord, seated at the right hand of the Father. May we also be challenged to live in a way that honors this exalted Christ, serving others and growing in holiness, so that we too might one day stand at His right hand in glory.
REFLECTION
The imagery of the “Right Hand of God” serves as a profound reminder of God’s omnipotent presence in our lives. It encourages us to rely on His strength in times of need and to find solace in His protective care. Furthermore, it challenges us to lead lives of integrity and compassion, emulating Christ’s example. As we strive to embody the love and justice of God, let us hold fast to the promise that we are upheld by His righteous right hand, always aiming to be worthy of our place in His eternal kingdom.