ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
January 8, 2023
In today’s sermon, I am quoting Albert Einstein, who said, “Those who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, are as good as dead…” As we have conquered more and more of the mysteries of the universe, it appears as if we have numbed our capacity to be impressed. Images from the new James Webb telescope are becoming routine, even though they are providing us a glimpse of the universe more than 13 billion years ago. Our most optimistic estimates of the number of stars appear to be incorrect, as we seem to have vastly underestimated the true number.
I find Einstein’s words to be relevant in so many aspects of life, including what it means to be a follower of Jesus. We toss around language like the unconditional and limitless love of God as if it is something commonplace and mundane. We seem unaware that each time we attempt to understand its vastness and scale, we are falling short in ways our language cannot even begin to describe. My concern is that much of Christianity finds itself unable to pause in wonder and stand rapt in awe. And if that is the case, Einstein is probably correct in concluding that they are already dead to the splendor and beauty of divine love.
Where my spiritual senses have been numbed, I pray for a resurgence of awareness and sensitivity. O God, I do not wish to miss out on being surprised or to be unaware of what might leave me awestruck. I want to take in as much as possible, even though I know there will always be more — more of your love, your grace, and your goodness. Amen.
