Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD, and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom and speak of your might.
Spiritual writers have sometimes reflected on the harmony they find in all God's creation. Ancient astronomers began the conversation as they spoke of "the harmony of the spheres." They understood the night sky as a series of transparent spheres, with the moon fixed in the nearest one, while the stars were set in several more distant spheres. Each orb rotated at its own pace around the Earth, and thus explained the changing night sky. These astronomers saw a marvelous synchronicity in that enormous, crystal machine.
Not only did it work well, but it fit their understanding of the cosmos. The unchanging, dependable patterns of seasonal weather and ocean tides were also harmonious. The migration of birds and other animals, and the cycles of the human body fit God's plan for the universe he had created. As Saint Paul said,
"We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
The apostolic mission to preach the gospel to all nations also fit that universal pattern and decree. Everyone should hear the Good News so that they might recognize the "mighty works" of God's creation, which included the mighty work of salvation effected by the Lord Jesus Christ. That work created more than a harmonious society. The Word of God echos upward through the crystal spheres and down through the many layers of one's interior castle. It brings healing, cleanliness, and understanding. Peace of mind reflects the harmony of the spheres.
As I understand, the baroque music of the 17th century reflected that understanding of the universe. Despite the religious wars of that era, the music reflected an appreciation of the joy, confidence, and cohesiveness that begins with, "Let there be light." Perhaps this is why the baroque remains popular today; we hear its pleasant promise of peace and well-being in the music despite the constant distress of our time.
Christians still believe in the One God who created harmony in the universe. If we don't look up to see magical spheres, we find amazing beauty and a kind of purity through the Hubble and James Webb telescopes. Astrophysicists continue to search for that unifying principle that makes all things work for good. The most hopeful expect to find life, perhaps intelligent, self-aware life; and argue it has to be there somewhere!
The feast of the Apostle Barnabas, and the horrifying manner of his death in particular, reminds us of the true cost of this harmony. It doesn't just happen within a society or nation, nor even within one's heart. Because of the Original Sin that pervades human life and the disordered structures we create, not everyone enjoys peace and prosperity. These scarce commodities are trapped in a spiritually clogged supply chain. If I'm okay and you're okay, the world is not.
On this late summer day, Saint Barnabas invites us to welcome his penetrating gospel into the machinery of our own souls, and to let that grace flow like a lubricant through our complicated hearts. If we cannot change the world around us, we can allow the Lord to purify the spheres within us.
As Saint Francis said, "Let us now begin, for hitherto we have done but little."
Fascinating that the gates of this holy city are named for the twelve tribes of Israel. As Jesus said, "Salvation is from the Jews." We enter through a Jewish gate.
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