Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The first chapter of the Book of Genesis details the seven days of creation, one of many rather different accounts of creation in the Old Testament. The late Pope Benedict XVI made it clear that we need not take this text literally. On the other hand, he is also clear that science alone cannot explain everything. God has made himself known in creation.
The Book of Wisdom notes: “For from the greatness and the beauty of created things their original author, by analogy, is seen” (13:5). Paul makes the same point: “Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made” (Romans 1:20).
So, from this text of Genesis let us continue to reflect on the truths which God wants us to grasp regarding Himself and the world around us and within us. Today:
The Seven Days of Creation | Day 3: Let The Water Be Gathered (Genesis 1:9)
After not saying that the separation of the waters was good, we are now back to something that is — the earth bringing forth vegetation once the waters are pulled back from the earth. Here we are involved with yet another division allowing for the earth to appear. For the Jewish people the earth was a good space; the sea was a more frightening place.
However, it is clear that God is the Lord of all. There is no enemy god of the sea to be feared. Though viewed as hostile by the Jewish people, the sea is always under God’s control. Thus Psalm 89 proclaims: “You rule the raging sea; you still its swelling waves” (89:10). In fact, Psalm 29 asserts: “The Lord sits enthroned above the flood! The Lord reigns as king forever” (29:10).
Thus, it was that when Jesus was awakened from his nap in the stern of the ship and quieted the storm, his disciples were amazed: “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” (Mark 4:41). Yet, his true authority appeared as he walked on the water and rescued Peter whose attempt to imitate the Lord lacked the faith to see it through (Matthew 14:22-33).
My favorite image of the sea comes from the Book of Revelation. In John’s vision of the heavenly throne room, we are told “In front of the throne was something that resembled a sea of glass like crystal” (4:6). Creation is not a struggle among gods. Creation is rather a gift, an ordered gift, from God who is Lord of all.
The real goodness, however, of this third day is the flourishing of plants and all kinds of vegetation. There is a garden prepared for us. Pope Francis has been urging us to be more attentive to its beauty and its fragility as we benefit from this great resource. This green world is good and God saw and sees it that way.
Sisters and brothers, this third day has emphasized yet again the divisions which exist in our cosmos all subject to a definite order. This is a good world and all goodness is a share in God’s own divine goodness. Wisdom is needed to help us discern how best to receive what, in God’s goodness, has been given to us.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+ Earl Boyea
Bishop of Lansing
