For now the LORD has spoken
who formed me as his servant from the womb,
that Jacob may be brought back to him
and Israel gathered to him;
and I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD,
and my God is now my strength!
Stephen Hawkins, in a TV program about the wonders of the universe, admitted that he and his colleagues may be able to explain how the universe came to be; but they cannot say why. It's not within their competence.
When theologians and philosophers are shut out of the conversation, the question is not raised nor is an answer posited. Because the Mother of all Sciences and the Queen of all Sciences are not permitted to speak to their progeny, the faithful have no reason to believe in a hypothetical multiverse.
Although any reasonable person might ask why is there existence and what should we expect of it, when the question is banned, explanations of everything else are severely limited to the pragmatic. Bugs exist to feed birds; and birds exist to spread seeds; and raptors exist to kill weaker animals; and so forth. Apparently, someone has figured out why the human gut has an appendix, but they have not answered, "Why are there humans who have appendices?"
In the meanwhile, the "man in the street" has a personal philosophy and strong opinions about God; but he, obedient to the "scientists," will not tolerate philosophical or theological discussions.
Within that grand silence, babies are conceived and born. But, to those who never asked why anything exists, the presence of a baby may seem unnecessary, intrusive, and frankly rude. They may have had reasons for conceiving the child, but perhaps they were thinking about something else at the time: pleasure, or power, or escape from loneliness, anxiety, and futility. None of that matters to the babies whose needs are immediate and demanding.
Practicing Catholics who take their faith seriously know why there is a universe, and why they have a place in the universe. It's for the glory of the LORD who created it through Jesus Christ and in the Holy Spirit. Like Mary, they are handmaids and servants of the Lord.
They know why they desire sexual intercourse, and why babies are conceived. Their healthy, human desires for love, security, and happiness have a reason and purpose in God's world. They protect, nurture, and cultivate their natural affection for babies. They protect the children God gives them; and abhor ideas of abortion, infanticide, and murder. Their families celebrate the greater honor and glory of God.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
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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.