In a busy world it’s easy to take nature for granted, isn’t it? But I think it’s good to sometimes stop and remind ourselves of the wonder of it all. Take for instance the sun. The sun is a star that generates energy through nuclear fusion in its core. This process creates heat and light that travels to Earth. And as such, it is the source of heat and light rather than a reflection of the light (as we see in the moon).

Having said that, in a more ultimate sense even the sun is a reflection. Why? Because it reflects God’s glory. He created it and designed it to provide for us what we need to sustain life. But not just as functionality. Rather he uses it to delight us with a beauty that points back to him.

I’m thinking specifically of sunrises and sunsets. Not much compares to the beauty of the sun lighting up the horizon with its illuminating display of color, beams and brilliance. It’s as if the sky were God’s own canvas, the place where he demonstrates his creativity and presence every morning and evening simply to delight those who slow down long enough to enjoy it and recognize it for what it is.

As you read the first part of Psalm 19 below, allow it to remind you of the glory of the created world and how it points back to the Creator. With this in mind, maybe even take a few minutes to step outside this evening, enjoy God’s handiwork in the sky, and give him thanks.

The heavens are telling the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
yet their voice[b] goes out through all the earth
and their words to the end of the world.

In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens
and its circuit to the end of them,
and nothing is hid from its heat.

Blessings,

Fr. Darin+

Priest-in-charge