Reflection for Friday, November 14, 2003: 32nd week in Ordinary Time.

Abstract

The first reading in today's liturgy from the Book of Wisdom reminds me of the possibility we have of coming to learn more about God by contemplating the world of nature. I can remember, as I am sure most of us can, moments in my life such as looking up at the myriads of stars and planets on a clear summer's night and experiencing the inevitable feelings of smallness in relation to the magnificence of the skies and wonder and awe at the God who created such a splendid universe. ||It is truly humbling to consider the vastness of the universe and to then experience the wonder and awe in a God who created such a magnificent world. The text makes the point clear: "let them know how far more excellent is the Lord than these (the created world)." |The Response psalm also picks up on that theme, "The heavens proclaim the glory of God." How blessed are we in the goodness and mercy of God which literally surrounds us in the world of nature. |In the spirituality of St. Ignatius Loyola it is expressed as "finding God in all things." Wherever we look we can discover God and the "hand" of God at work. We are invited this day (and all days) to discover God in the world of nature. Our invitation is to see beyond the artistry in the world of nature to the Artist (creator) of the universe. |Lord, God, thank you for the wonders of your world of creation which you spread before us at all times. Help us to keep our eyes and ears open to those wonders and to respond with gratitude and service especially to the voice of the poor with whom we come in contact.