The wonderful artistic hand of God has been quite visible in recent weeks. The hoar frost has given us wonderfully flocked trees, branches delicately outlined in frost, and amazing designs clinging to screens and windows. I could not help but be in wonder for what God has done. St. Thomas Aquinas said that wonder was the first step on the ladder that leads to God. Perhaps our barren winter landscape gives us pause to reflect on God’s hand at work in our lives? The anniversary of the 1973 Roe vs Wade decision invites us to reflect on the wonder of human life.
Within weeks of conception, the child’s head and neck are becoming visible and with each passing day, the body in all its wonder is taking shape. There is no doubt that sacred human life is developing in the womb. O Lord, help all to see and cherish the child in the womb, as our brother and sister through Jesus Christ.
This past Monday, the nation remembered the
birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. Martin led a civil
rights movement which challenged people to see
God’s hand at work in every human person, regardless of skin color, political persuasion, or ethnic background. In the words of MLK, “Lightning makes no sound until it strikes.” “We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now.” “The quality, not the longevity, of one's life is what is important.” “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” O Lord, give us the love to see all as our sister and brother.
We are in the midst of the week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Theological differences have brought about the division in the Church of Christ. Instead of being at wonder for the salvation, we find ways to limit God’s ways. “Abide in my love… you shall bear much fruit.” (John 15:1-17) is the theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25). Begun in 1908, these days have been set aside each year so that Christians the world over may share the prayer of Jesus: “that all may be one... that the world may believe” (John 17:21). O Lord, help us make your Son’s prayer a reality.
What nourishes your wonder? Stars or snowflakes or the human hand or a bright red cardinal or the gnarled hands of the elderly? O Lord, we thank you for the gift of wonder.
Fr. Ron