In Awesome Wonder
Good morning my sisters and brothers;
This morning I took Frijolito on our customary walk at the break of dawn. It was grey and overcast, with rain falling softly on the land. On the eastern horizon, occasional shafts of light broke through the heavy clouds and shone brightly for just a moment. As we were walking through the wild meadow, Frijolito stopped every few feet to sniff the ground. The wild meadow's nightlife is mapped out through smells. There had obviously been much going on the night before, as there were bunny tracks pressed into the soft mud, as well as raccoon, skunk, mice, deer and who knows what. As the rain became heavier, I noticed rain drops clinging precariously to the branches of every tree and shrub in the wild meadow. On one particular tree that is entangled with the vines of wild grape, there were hundreds and hundreds of perfect raindrops, each one reflecting the majesty that was the dawn. I like to think that each one of these raindrops represents a member of our beloved little reflection group. And the tree itself is God. Ever present and supporting. I took the time to say a prayer at this wonderful tree of life, asking for healing for those in need. And as I finished the prayer , I felt the strong and unmistakable presence of the Holy Spirit. Come , Holy Spirit, come, breath of God, give life to the dry bones of this exiled age, and make us a living people, holy and free.
And as Frijolito and I continued on our way, it was obvious that Spring has finally sprung. Green grass is making its way through the yellow and winter weary grasses. The deciduous tree branches are heavy with buds, and the needles of the coniferous ones are greener. At this time of the year, the wild meadow is a celebration of rebirth, and a return of the light .
As we rounded the corner on the way back, we came upon our little Magnolia tree. I had to stop and catch my breath. Just last night when I went to refill our bird feeder, I looked over and the branches of the Magnolia were bare. And this morning it was in full bloom. God's wonderful creation was in full bloom. And as I stood in awe, a favourite hymn came to mind.
"How Great Thou Art."
O Lord my God
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all
The works Thy Hand hath made.
I see the stars,
I hear the mighty thunder,
The pow'r throughout
The universe displayed.
When through the woods
And forest glades I wander
I hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze.
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
When Christ shall come,
With shouts of acclamation,
And take me home,
What joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
And there proclaim,
My God, how great Thou art.
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My dearest sisters and brothers, let us give thanks and rejoice for the gift of this new day. It is time to find the beauty in this fractured world of ours. As disciples, as stewards of God's creation, let us wander "the woods and forest glades" and stand in awesome wonder.
Your homework for today is to go outside and look for the signs of rebirth .
Let us pray
Gracious and loving God, creator of heaven and earth. We give you thanks for the beauty of this rainy morning and for the splendour of your creation. Make us attentive to the needs of our mother earth, whom because our selfishness have mistreated terribly. We are ashamed of ourselves and we ask for your forgiveness. Imbue our little reflection group with a nurturing spirit so that we may treat your creation with more care, love, compassion and respect, so that future generations will have the opportunity to stand in wonder .
Amen
Diosito me los colme de bendiciones
Paz
I love you
John
Don't forget that you have homework.