Wisdom 13:3
Now if out of joy in their beauty they thought them gods, let them know how far more excellent is the Lord than these; for the original source of beauty fashioned them.
St. Augustine famously writes in his Confessions: "In my unlovely state I plunged into those lovely created things which you made." He writes this while reflecting on his life-long search for God in the created world, only to realize later in life that God was with him in his heart all along. For this reason, St. Augustine says that perhaps the greatest sin is to mistake the creation for the creator.
The first reading from the Book of Wisdom calls out this very human tendency. We are blessed to live in a world resplendent with beauty, both natural and man-made. It is good to pursue those things that give great joy to our lives, especially during the holiday season. Yet, we must always remember that the God who loves us without end and who truly desires us is greater than the greatest beauty we may encounter on this earth. This passage reminds us always to ask for the gift of wonder and awe and to cultivate it daily within grateful hearts. In receiving wonder and awe, we guard against mistaking creation for the creator, and truly enter into a love that is greater than anything we could imagine.
Get to know our seminarians! Today's reflection was written by:
Christian Galvan, Theology II
Home parish: St. Stephen
Did you know...
I enjoy most everything Disney from movies to the parks and resorts. I especially enjoy going to Walt Disney World during the holiday season!
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