Second Sunday of Lent- The Grandeur of God

God's Grandeur- A sonnet by Gerard Manley Hopkins

I picked several books to read during Lent. This poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889) was in one of yesterday's readings. What a beautiful sonnet! 

The first eight lines (octave) present a problem that is even more relevant today than in the 19th century. The world is charged with the grandeur of God, but mankind has trod the ground for generations, searing and corrupting the earth in the pursuit of trade and toil. The smell of mankind taints the bare ground. In the wake of progress, man has forgotten the Creator. The last six lines (sestet) offer a beautiful reflection. 

" And for all of this, nature is never spent..." Life is renewed each spring, and daily, the darkness of night in the west gives way to the light of a new day in the east.  "Because the Holy Spirit over the bent world broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings."  The imagery of the Holy Spirit as a dove is evoked. I will remember these words whenever I see a bird in a nest.

The Indigenous navigator at the hospital organized Sacred Fires at each of the three health care campuses this week. The ceremonies acknowledged the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new growing season. In Indigenous tradition. Spring Equinox brings an awareness of balance and the importance of respecting the natural world, both physically and spiritually. 

People who have a "what happens when you think God looks just like you" syndrome tend to be critical of spiritual traditions different than their own. Last month, I read and thoroughly enjoyed Braiding Sweetgrass by Indigenous botanist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer. Modern life, with the pursuit of wealth and material goods, has removed us from the rhythms and lessons of nature. Around the world, Indigenous people were attacked with force by those who believed in the superiority of European religious and cultural traditions. Much harm was done in the name of state Christianity, and Indigenous people continue to seek healing from generational trauma by coming together and participating in their cultural traditions. 

There are gentle ways to discuss spirituality, and they do not start by accusing people of idolatry. We all struggle with things that displace our devotion to God. Paul started a conversation in Ephesus with a respectful reference to the altar inscribed to "The Unknown God".  The Magi were pagan astrologers and spiritual pilgrims. Abraham spent a century coming to an understanding of God, making many mistakes along the way.

Hopkins was a Jesuit priest who saw the eternal mercies of God in the natural world. Another poet, King David, wrote Psalm 19, including the familiar opening verses,

The heavens declare the glory of God;

And the firmament shows His handiwork.

Day unto day utters speech,

And night unto night reveals knowledge.

There is no speech nor language

Where their voice is not heard...

Lent is a time of personal reflection and repentance, a time to bring our lives into balance with God, mankind and creation, with humility, truth, kindness and love. What is broken can be restored.

(Photo taken at sunset at Wasaga Beach, Ontario)