Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Brian’s Reflection: Thursday, November 20, 2008


We find them smaller and fainter, in constantly increasing numbers,
and we know that we are reaching into space, farther and farther, until,
with the faintest nebulae that can be detected with the greatest telescopes,
we arrive at the frontier of the known universe.


- Dr. Edwin Powell Hubble, physicist & astronomer, born on this day, 1889


Hmmmm. A parable about “God”. Alas, we cannot even say that we have begun the “finding”. I would be thrilled if we were at the “frontier of the known universe” in terms of our knowledge of the Mystery we call “God”, thrilled that we were gazing out from that point on the frontier of beginning really to understand what we mean by “God”.

But no, I think we have only just begun the journey of the “reaching”. I fear we have a lot further to go just to get to the point where we can actually “begin”. Strangely, this gives me hope! It would make my heart break to think that where we are now, in all religions and faiths, was at any “advanced” place. It calms me to understand that we have only begun to reach “into space”. And amazes me to ponder just how long this process of becoming fully human is taking, will take. I have let go of my frustration and impatience ….. well, somewhat!

So much about being human drags us back! Often it seems that we have to start anew in every generation, that we gain nothing in those generations. Is this the way it will always be ….. until we learn, make some quantum leap? Or several? Maybe.

However, perhaps the point simply is that we must embrace the Journey, wherever we may be from the frontier. Believe in ourselves, spread the vision. Take simple steps. Recommit to Compassion, Justice, Kindness, every morning. But perhaps more important, we need “shepherds” who will guide us into the Vision of God. We have begun. Let us call them to us.

Brian+

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