(please enjoy this previously published article by Father Tim)
Faith, of course, is the principle means through which we come to know God and enter into a relationship with Him. And this faith bases itself on the Word of God given to us in sacred scripture. This word is spoken by God “who can neither deceive nor be deceived.”
So Jesus (the Word made Flesh) says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”, or, “I am the Resurrection and the life”, or, “I am the Good Shepherd leading my sheep into eternal life.” And in response Peter said, “Oh Lord, you alone have the words of eternal life.” So Faith opens the door to heaven.
But there is something else that can happen. Sometimes before faith happens, one can have an experience that leads them to believe in God. OR, sometimes this experience can follow faith and help it to grow.
What is this experience? Wonder. Children have it all the time. Hopefully, you’ve had it too. It starts with a simple observation of life around us and leads to a “moment” where we experience the sheer beauty or power or mystery contained in what we are observing.
For example:
- The ocean, the waves, the horizon
- Seagulls riding a lake breeze
- The folds and color of a rose
- A baby’s smell
- The eyes of a child
- The full moon on new snow
- A lover’s first “I love you” and then hearing “I love you” back.
- A base hit in little league
- The day you could finally ride a bike
- Sitting on your dad’s lap, playing with his giant fingers
- Really hearing a great piece of music
- Tears upon finishing some effort that took everything you had in you
- Winning a game in triple overtime
- Losing a game in triple overtime
- Reading a book that moves you with its description of the human character
- Counting the stars at night
- (What would you add as your moments . . . . ?)
None of these moments happen in church, but each of them can open a window through which we catch a glimpse of a world filled with a beauty and mystery that far surpasses our ability to fully understand it. Yet it will not let us leave that place without touching our hearts with that experience we call “wonder.”
Read Psalm 139 for a beautiful moment of wonder. It all leads to a surrender to faith . . . “Oh Lord, How great you are. Thank you for letting me live and have my being. Thank you for letting me see/feel this moment”.
I hope you take time this summer to experience the beauty of this world and of our lives as human beings. Don’t try too hard though.
Just let the moment be what it wants to be in you. Remember, God loves you and made this world for us. Summer blessings.
Fr. Tim
