God In All Things 

   “When you are walking alone listen to the sermon preached to you by the flowers, the trees, the shrubs, the sky, the sun and the whole world.  Notice how they preach to you a sermon full of love, of praise of God, and how they invite you to proclaim the greatness of the one who has given them being.” (St. Paul of the Cross) 

   Too many people seem to want to isolate God to church, as if His presence is restricted to a building.  Jesus not only taught in the synagogues, but also walked with His followers, speaking to them not only in the things He said, but in His actions.  God speaks to us in much the same way.  We have His word in scripture, but we also have His creation everywhere we look.  There is nowhere we can go that God is not already there.

   There are also those who say they don’t need church, that the “world” is their church.  In some ways they are right, but a gathering of God’s people to give communal praise to the Lord and to listen to His word is a precept that is older than Christianity itself.  God established a covenant with His chosen people, the Israelites, calling them to be His family, to be a part of Him, to gather with Him.

   We need to see God in His creation, walk with Him, enjoying the beauty of all He has given us, giving Him thanks.  The splendor of His creation gives us visible evidence of His presence. 

   Then we must gather with others to give Him all glory and praise, receiving His word and the sacraments.  Gathering with others brings us closer together with the family of God and with God himself.  

You are everywhere Lord.

I see You in all things.

Open my heart to Your presence.

Let me walk with You always. 

Amen