“When I consider the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them?” Psalm 8:3-4
This passage by David and musicians, gazing upon the universe with a deep wonder and awe, can compel us, to ponder on the precious significance of humanity. He was a shepherd whom I imagine reveled in the beauty of nature. There’s an intimacy where God showers his blessings. God calls us to be caretakers and loving to creation and all that is in it. He caresses our hands within His, whispering, ‘care for creation’. To glorify Him. David had a profound and deep love for God as a humble servant. With God’s strength and talent, he conquered Goliath. I admire the loyalty and love between David and Jonathan and their righteousness in the face of difficulties. At one point King David is disloyal and betrays a friendship and slips away from trusting God. Despite this David returns back to God with his full heart. David repented and was indeed a man loved and chosen by God. This beautiful transformation we can sense in Psalm 51.
Sin chips away at who we are and our relationship with God. Sin can slip in like a sly thief unnoticed. It diverts us from the path God has for us. But repentance and love for God restores us and allows us to live in God’s endless mercy and grace.
The holy mass and nature are God’s reverent places of awesome wonder. Life is an adventure of discovering God’s love. In a walk in nature, we can pray for God to reveal His beauty. We may swept up in wonder through the sweet song of a cardinal gently calling. Or your heart be captivated in the emerald twinkling leaves as the sun sparkles on the crevices and veins, reminding us of God’s radiance. The sunlight warming us can cause a stir within and we can sense of God’s presence whispering, ‘be a light’. Even the trembling roar of thunder booming in the distance, can be a sign and compel you to ‘let go and surrender to God’. God is love.
Signs and wonders of God’s love are all around us. In Ignatian gospel contemplation, one can submerse themselves into the scenes of scripture and us all our senses. It encourages us to open the heart and mind to God. God’s love is infinite. Lent is a beautiful time to be still and silence the soul. To contemplate the beauty all around. Gratitude. Giving. Praying. Exploring. Reflecting. All to grow in God’s divine love.
“See God in all things.” St. Ignatius
Peace and prayers,
Claudia