Memorial of St. John Bosco, Priest
I attended a retreat where we reflected on the topic of awe and wonder. In today’s gospel story the disciples were filled with awe while on the lake with Jesus. Although Jesus is not walking the earth today, I wonder how often God’s creation and power is providing opportunity for our awe? What can we do to be more aware of these experiences in our daily lives?
The gospel reading today recounts the story of Jesus calming the seas. I can only imagine the terror the disciples were experiencing when the violent squall came over them, and the boat was filling with water. As they awaken Jesus from his sleep, they wonder how He is not aware of their imminent danger and possible death. With only a word, Jesus quiets the sea and questions the disciples’ lack of faith. They are struck with awe as they recognize the power and sovereignty of Jesus as He speaks to the sea and wind, and they obey.
To be present in a boat with someone who stills the seas would certainly be a reason for great awe and wonder. But if we believe that God is present in our current world, then His power and creative works are still present. Could it be that there are many opportunities to experience awe, but we do not take the time or effort to do so? In many circumstances, awe is an emotion that we experience when we encounter something that is so vast or unimaginable that we stop and take notice. If we believe God’s presence is in all things, then all of life can be an opportunity for awe.
Learning to increase our awe and wonder requires practice. Awareness of ourselves and our surroundings is an essential element to increase our ability to find awe. Learning patience- to go and move more slowly- also provides better opportunities to seek and find awe. The verse, “Be Still and Know that I am God.” (PS 46:10) is helpful in directing us to seeing the awe of God around us. Finally, humility is required to increase our ability to be in awe. As we recognize who we are as a part of the greater world around us, we know that we are but a small part of God’s creation. This understanding places us in the position where we can look around and see things as part of the whole, and find the awe, beauty, and wonder of God’s amazing design.
The more we find ourselves in awe, the more we recognize the presence of God. By increasing our awareness through the use of our senses, we can find the simplest things to be awe-inspiring. The taste of dark chocolate, the smile on a baby’s face, the sound of a beautiful song, the smell of baking bread, and the feeling of sand under your feet can all be opportunities to find wonder and awe. The more we slow down and become aware, the more we see God’s presence all around us.
We may not have the same experience the disciples had when Jesus calmed the sea, however I believe that God calls us to increase our faith through signs that our present throughout our daily lives. "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is a miracle." (Albert Einstein) When we patiently and humbly take time to become aware of the world around us, we are indeed surrounded by many miracles.
God’s love surrounds us in the miracles of our everyday lives. The awe and wonder we experience helps us to recognize the many blessings that we have. Filled with this understanding of God’s immanence, it seems only natural that we respond in praise and gratitude for a God who is with us and who draws us closer through the world around us.
—Marylynn Herchline