1 September 2020

As it is written,
‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the human heart conceived,
what God has prepared for those who love him’—
these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit;
for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. .
From 1 Corinthians 2: 9-16 (NRSV)

For those using the Catholic cycle of readings, you will notice that we start at verse 9 rather than verse 10. This gives us the opportunity to include some beautiful words which lead into Paul’s speaking about spiritual and unspiritual things. What he seems to be trying to convey is something about the depth of a spiritual understanding of things. At one level, there is no real distinction – everything comes from God. At another, it is clear that there are limits to what we can see and hear and know – things beyond what we can perceive with our senses. This takes a bit of humility to admit – to stand before reality and know that there is so much more that we can only come to know through an openness to the Spirit revealing it to us.

• • When have you seen or heard something and sensed there was more beyond what you could perceive?
  • Are you excited or frustrated by knowing that there is more to the world than meets the eye or ear? 

Take a bit of time today to look at a view – a flower – a person – or to listen to some music or other sounds. Reflect that there is much more to each than you are able to see or hear and be open to what might come as you gaze or listen.