Intentions of the Holy Father for April

Ecology and Justice. That governments may foster the protection of creation and the just distribution of natural resources.
Hope for the Sick. That the Risen Lord may fill with hope the hearts of those who are being tested by pain and sickness.

Flowers in the Pavement

Ok, so you've read me whine and rant about how we always go around wrecking God's beautiful and good plan for us. I stand by that. Today God gave me an gentle reminder, though. As I stepped out of my office building to pray some midday prayers, I looked left and saw a "blue true dream of sky" (to use e. e. cummings' words) and a row of cherry blossom trees whose green leaves and bundles of bright pink flowers billowed and shook in the breeze. It took my breath away because I hadn't been looking for it. Despite all the concrete, something natural and beautiful, a gift of God planted by men, grew unhampered in the cracks.

Atheists say that we believe in a "God of the Gaps," who serves as a convenient explanation for what we don't yet understand. They are mistaken.

Despite all of the bad things in the world, there are signs of His love all around us - God pierces through like a flower growing in the cracks of a pavement. Amidst all the concrete, cherry blossoms bloom. Amidst all the darkness of night, little stars shine. Amidst all the turmoil in the world, monasteries offer peace. Amidst all the cowardice, greed, and malice there are brave, honest, and loving people. It isn't a "God of the Gaps" we put our trust in, but rather a God of the Cracks.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

it's the little signs of hope that matters most :)

Arlene,
Silverdale flowers

Unknown said...

True that, Arlene! And you can navigate in a very dark night with just a very few stars.