the image of his own nature he made them. But by the envy of the Devil, death entered the world, and they who are in his possession experience it.
Biologists who study these things tell us “death
entered the world” with sexuality. Asexual creatures – mostly of the single-cell,
microscopic type – eproduce by splitting. They can be destroyed by many things
but, in an ideal environment, they don’t die of old age. There are creatures
like that in our intestines; they are literally millions of years old. They serve
a vital function in our bodies. We would starve to death without them to
process our food.
Sexual creatures, however, die. I am not sure why but if
they didn’t the world would be covered ten-miles-deep in the living, squirming bodies
of earthworms and other such vermin. It’s better this way.
When the writer of Wisdom declares “God formed man to be
imperishable” we read this on a deeper, truer level than scientific facts. As Hamlet said to Horatio, “There
are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your
philosophy.” Even by Shakespeare’s time learning was losing contact with everyday
reality. Science understands only what it can measure. Foolish science dismisses
all other learning. The Bard was wise enough to see that.
God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made them.
We might think of the abilities to think, ponder and
reflect. Especially we have the marvelous ability to reflect upon ourselves, to
ask questions like, “Who am I?” and “Why do I exist?” We also have to ability
to appreciate beauty. So far as I know no other animal gazes in wonder at a
sunset. (I wouldn’t be terribly surprised if one did. It’s hard to know what
dogs and cats think. You don't want to know what they think of you.)
Even deeper than our abilities to think and gaze in wonder
is our ability to say thank you. Gratitude comes with reflection. Realizing how
things might have been; we are grateful for what they are.
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| A glorious garage |
The opposite of freedom is
death. Choosing God we choose freedom to love and
be loved, to see and be amazed, to receive and be grateful, to reflect and
discover the height and depth and length of God’s goodness.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.