Daily Retreat 11/16/07
2007 Nov 16 Fri/ Margaret of Scotland, mw/ Gertrude the Great, v, r
Wis 13:1-9/ Ps 18(19):2-3. 4-5ab/ Lk 17:26-37
From today’s readings: “For from the greatness and the beauty of created things their original Author, by analogy, is seen.... The heavens proclaim the glory of God.... As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man....”
Ample Proof of God
The Book of Wisdom insists that, even without the revelation of the Word of God, man is capable of reasoning with certainty about the existence of God - “For from the greatness and the beauty of created things, their original Author, by analogy, is seen.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church reaffirms this insight(§32): “Starting from movement, becoming, contingency, and the world's order and beauty, one can come to a knowledge of God as the origin and the end of the universe.”
Even those who are well past this initial faith phase of discerning the existence of God can still benefit from a meditation on “the greatness and beauty of created things” and a renewed appreciation for the Creator of all. Indeed, who is not moved by a starry night sky or spectacular sunset to ponder the creative genius of our God?
The psalmist concurs: “the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork.” And yet, as awesome a proof and witness as creation is to the work of God, even more wonderful is the revelation of His ongoing personal love for us - chapters 10 and 11 of Wisdom recall the saving hand and sapiential guidance of God in the early events of our salvation history. Note that, while Revelation thus goes beyond reason, it is never contrary to reason - this is a crucial insight!
Wis 13:1-9/ Ps 18(19):2-3. 4-5ab/ Lk 17:26-37
From today’s readings: “For from the greatness and the beauty of created things their original Author, by analogy, is seen.... The heavens proclaim the glory of God.... As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man....”
Ample Proof of God
The Book of Wisdom insists that, even without the revelation of the Word of God, man is capable of reasoning with certainty about the existence of God - “For from the greatness and the beauty of created things, their original Author, by analogy, is seen.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church reaffirms this insight(§32): “Starting from movement, becoming, contingency, and the world's order and beauty, one can come to a knowledge of God as the origin and the end of the universe.”
Even those who are well past this initial faith phase of discerning the existence of God can still benefit from a meditation on “the greatness and beauty of created things” and a renewed appreciation for the Creator of all. Indeed, who is not moved by a starry night sky or spectacular sunset to ponder the creative genius of our God?
The psalmist concurs: “the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork.” And yet, as awesome a proof and witness as creation is to the work of God, even more wonderful is the revelation of His ongoing personal love for us - chapters 10 and 11 of Wisdom recall the saving hand and sapiential guidance of God in the early events of our salvation history. Note that, while Revelation thus goes beyond reason, it is never contrary to reason - this is a crucial insight!
posted by FrPitstick | 11/13/2007
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