My distraction in centering prayer these days has been the media’s recent announcement that scientists have discovered that the universe is vastly larger and more complex than we have ever dared to dream. Powerful technology for viewing outer space reveals that there are infinitely more galaxies whirling through space in orderly fashion than the scientific world formerly imagined.
Why are scientists and others so amazed with the revelation of an ever expanding universe? What do these and no doubt further celestial discoveries mean to us mere mortals who consider ourselves to be imminently important and the pinnacle of creation? On one hand, might this new knowledge make us realize that we are small time people thinking we are in charge of one tiny dot named planet Earth in the midst of a vast universe?
On the other hand, does this latest discovery of the reality of the expanding universe cause us to pause, become speechless and silent, filled with wonder and awe. Our Creator is eternally at work, revealing the amazing majesty of ongoing creation. The ancient words of the psalmist ring true.
“When I see the heavens, the work of your hands,
The moon and the stars which you arranged,
What are we that you keep us in mind,
Mortals,that you care for us.
How great is your name O Lord,
Our God through all the Earth.” Ps. 8
Jean Moylan, csj