Scripture:
Reflection:
“In the beginning…” (GN 1:1…)
Riding the number 147 Lake Shore Drive express, we travel by the boatless harbors this cold February morning. We pass the dog beach and despite the weather people are out with their furry frolicking friends staging for all onlookers, a scene of energy and joy. We, those of us not on our devices that is, watch the runners and bikers, some headed to work and some just out for their morning exercise. This sunny morning, even the bare trees speak of life and hope.
“God blessed them, saying: ‘Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it…” (GN 1:28…)
Reentering the city at Michigan Avenue, man’s part of this creation story takes center stage. The skyscrapers set the scene for the crowds of people running in and out of the doorways making it to work, opening their retail businesses, switching on the lights preparing for another busy day transacting the business and commerce that brings us all together in the first place. Students from ages six to sixty dash to make their first class and start another day of discovery and learning.
“Then God said: ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (GN 1:26…)
In contrast, or maybe not—I sometimes wonder—today the church asks us to think about another day, a different time, one with the same opportunity for life and to remember the Japanese Jesuit preacher, Paul Miki (1562 – 1597) and his companions, who chose hanging on crosses, and being pierced by swords, willingly preferring death in pursuit of sharing the good news of Jesus and the life they found in Him.
“God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good.” (GN 1:31)
Dan O’Donnell is a Passionist Partner and a longtime friend of the Passionists. He lives in Chicago.