Tuesday 1 September 2020

Today is Tuesday the 1 September, in the 22nd week of Ordinary Time.  

The Kyiv Chamber Choir, sing the Credo:  “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” As I start this prayer today, can I join in with this strong, almost exuberant expression of faith? Can I begin by declaring my faith in my God, my creator, my heavenly Father?    

Today’s reading is from St Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians.      

1 Corinthians 2:10-13   these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual.    

Today, 1 September, is Pope Francis’ World Day of Prayer for Creation. In one of his Wednesday audiences, Pope Francis commented “The human person in prayer contemplates the mystery of existence around them. He or she sees the starry sky above - which astrophysics shows us today in all its immensity - and wonders what design of love there must be behind such a powerful work!” Perhaps you too have spent an evening under the stars or in front of a sunset or sunrise, letting the experience move you to prayer and contemplation? Can you place yourself in this moment again?  

Pope Francis acknowledges the human thirst to investigate and to understand as part and parcel of the faith journey.  We observe ourselves and define ourselves by human wisdom. Our humanity may be hard to explain but it is ours. So St Paul has our heads nodding, ‘we know because we know’. But here’s the thing - we don’t fully know God. But, Paul assures us, we have the Spirit.  God is brought to us, taught to us, by the willingness of the Spirit.   

As you listen to the reading again allow Paul’s words to speak.  

In your prayer, consider how you may allow the Spirit in your life today.  Ask how you may give the Spirit permission to lead and teach you. Perhaps consider how the contemplation of the natural world can lead you into the mystery of God.   

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.