Be Amazed!

It takes a lot these days to amaze young people. This generation has seen and experienced so much that they often miss the gift of awe for God’s creation.  The total solar eclipse might change that. This is the scientific, educational, and spiritual opportunity of a lifetime for our students. They will study the eclipse from many perspectives. I will leave the scientific and astronomical perspectives to the scientist.  This is our chance to include the theological and spiritual perspectives of this awe inspiring event. “Science and religion, with their distinctive approaches to understanding reality, can enter into an intense dialogue fruitful for both” (Laudato Si 62).

We believe that God is the Creator of heaven and earth and holds all things in continual providence. We do not believe that the Creator has abandoned us. God’s generosity is beyond our understanding. Creation cannot be understood by science alone. Creation, through whatever process of nature, involves a love relationship between the Creator and the created. “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made” (Ps 33:6). The world came about as the result of God’s loving decision. We are reminded of this relationship in Saint Francis of Assisi’s

“Canticle of Sister Moon and Brother Sun.”
 

Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.

  
          Creation reveals the glory of God. We do not worship creation but, rather, the Creator whose majesty is revealed in creation. So when we see a sunset, or climb a mountain, or view an eclipse we experience a manifestation of God’s love for us. “Alongside revelation properly so-called, contained in Sacred Scripture, there is a divine manifestation in the blaze of the sun and the fall of night” (Laudato Si 85). 

            The solar eclipse will be a brief event, awesome and memorable. This would be a good opportunity to reflect on other times we have experienced awe in the presence of nature. How have these experiences brought us into a deeper relationship with the Creator? Awe is a gift of the Holy Spirit allowing us to recognize the presence and the greatness of God. May you be gifted with awe. 

            Your children have learned about the importance of being safe today.  We can’t wait to hear about your family’s experiences tomorrow at school.