God of All Power, Ruler of the Universe
Psalms 87, 90 • Psalm 136
Num. 11:16-17, 24-29 • Eph. 2:11-22 • Matt. 7:22-8:4
Today we commemorate Nicolaus Copernicus and Johannes Kepler, two astronomers who upended the scientific and religious understanding of our universe. Copernicus proposed the heliocentric solar system model and Kepler expanded upon it while beginning to integrate this new information with his religious life. Many people felt their religion was threatened by the sun-centric model of the solar system, but Kepler absolutely embraced the new information.
I see that same embrace within our Episcopal tradition. We love to wonder about science. We revel in the mystery of God. I can see that reverence for science and mystery especially in this prayer that someone shared with me from Daily Prayers for All Seasons:
"Lord God, we praise you for those riches of
our creation that we will never see:
For stars whose light will never reach the earth;
For species of living things that were born,
that flourished and perished
before humankind appeared in the world;
For patterns and colors in the flowers,
which only insect eyes are able to see;
For strange, high music
that humans can never hear.
Lord God, you see everything that you have made
and behold that it is very good."
Eucharistic Prayer C also exudes the same wonder at the universe that I detect from Kepler's work: (page 370 in the BCP) "At your command all things came to be: the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home/By your will they were created and have their being."
Now it is generally accepted that the Earth revolves around the Sun and that we are indeed not the center of the universe. However, I wonder what scientific discoveries of today can tell us about the nature of God. What does particle physics tell us about the way God works? How can discoveries in epidemiology inform the way we worship? Do revelations in climate science also give us revelations about God's intent for us?
Written by Haley Hixson
One small thing that this extended period of separation has brought to light is the amazing technical talent of some choir directors who have adapted to long distance and video formats for choirs. Here is Canticle 13 composed by John Rutter and assembled by Eric Tuan. We frequently used to sing this together at St. Paul's. I love you all and can't wait to sing Canticle 13 with you again soon!