It’s the last Sunday in May, and the original Memorial Day before Congress created these three-day spending spree weekends. With the temperature rising to at least the mid-70s, the roads will be full of people heading toward the shore – that is, those of us who are not sinking our knees into God’s good earth.
Beauty comes in many different forms, from the beauty of our shores to a swamp in Georgia (the state, not the country which AI seems to confuse) to a wildlife corridor at the Rio Grande Big Bend, threatened with a border wall which would cut off migratory animal paths. All these areas need protection.
There’s another kind of beauty of course, that of art. The current exhibition of Raphael’s genius at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is extraordinary, especially when you realize his prodigious output, dying at the age of 37. For those unable to get into the city, the Met has a 15-minute video touring the exhibition. The hand of God works I many ways.
Prayer for the Day
In response to your call we come, Spirit who embraces us,
For your presence is a light in our lives.
We are humbled by your gifts to us beyond numbe,
And speak our gratitude for all we have.
May we share your gifts with others who are often alone and bereft
As a measure of the gratitude we feel for all we have.
In the name of the One who gives us gifts beyond measure,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
What beauty is, I do not know, although it adheres to many things.
Albrecht Dürer, German artist (1471-1528)
The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as it it had nothing else to do.
Galileo Galilei, astronomer, scientist (1564-1642)
The Lord exists forever; your word is firmly fixed in heaven.
Your faithfulness endures o all generations;
You have established the earth and it stands fast.
By your appointment, they stand today,
For all things are your servants.
Psalm 119: 89-91