Pillars of Creation
James Webb Space Telescope, 2022
My dear friends,
In the serenity and boundless expanse of space, akin to the depth of our minds, we find a reflection of our innate potential for goodness and wisdom. As we ponder the Pillars of Creation captured so elegantly by the James Webb Space Telescope, we are reminded of the infinite beauty that lies within and around us, waiting to be acknowledged and nurtured.
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
- Psalm 19:1-4a
All praise to Thee, my God, this night
For all the blessings of the light!
- from Thomas Ken's Evening Hymn
which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them;
and nothing is hid from its heat.
- Psalm 19:4b-6
Awake, my soul, and with the sun
Thy daily stage of duty run,
Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise
To pay thy morning sacrifice.
- from Thomas Ken's Morning Hymn
The sun, symbolizing radiant wisdom and compassion, embarks upon its daily journey to dispel darkness and ignorance. Ken’s Morning Hymn and Psalm 19 intertwine, reminding us that with every dawn, we are given another day to cultivate virtue and wisdom. Each day is a precious opportunity to turn towards the inner light of awareness and compassion, illuminating the path for oneself and others.
the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever;
the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
- Psalm 19:7-11
Lord, I my vows to Thee renew; Disperse my sins as morning dew;
Guard my first springs of thought and will, And with Thyself my spirit fill.
- from Thomas Ken's Morning Hymn
Divine principles, akin to the law of the Lord in Psalm 19, are like the steadfast pillars in the depths of space – unyielding, illuminating, and eternally true. They revive the soul, providing clarity amidst confusion, light amidst darkness. As the Morning Hymn encourages renewal and awakening, we are summoned to imbibe these eternal truths, finding in them the sweet nectar of enlightenment and the gold of unwavering wisdom.
Keep back your servant also from insolent thoughts; do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
- Psalm 19:12-13
Direct, suggest, control this day All I design, or do, or say,
That all my pow'rs, with all their might, To Thy sole glory may unite.
- from Thomas Ken's Morning Hymn
Imperfections and faults are intrinsic to the human journey. Yet, through acknowledgment and transformation, we emerge purified, as conveyed in Psalm 19 and echoed in Ken’s verses. Every morning presents a renewed opportunity to align our actions, thoughts, and words with divine virtue, moving closer to a state of grace where the tyranny of ego yields to the sovereignty of selfless love and compassionate wisdom.
be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
- Psalm 19:14
Heav'n is, dear Lord, where'er Thou art; O never then from me depart,
For to my soul 'tis Hell to be / But for one moment void of Thee.
- from Thomas Ken's Morning Hymn
The final verses of Psalm 19 and Ken’s hymn converge in a prayer for alignment between the inner world of thoughts and emotions and the outer expression of words and deeds. As we reflect upon the profound silence of space, we are reminded of the silence within, where words are transcended, and the pure meditation of the heart prevails, radiant and acceptable in the sight of the eternal.
So, my dear friends, as we gaze upon the stars and ponder the profound messages enshrined in Psalm 19 and Thomas Ken’s hymns, let us endeavor to make our lives a living testament to the harmony and beauty that pervades the cosmos. In the quietude of space, we find the silence of the soul; in the radiant stars, the illuminating light of wisdom; and in the vast expanse, the boundless potential of our own compassion and love, ready to embrace the cosmos and each of its beings, near and far.
In the beauty of Psalm 19, we observe the natural world speaking the language of harmony and peace, a message not of words, but of existence. It is echoed in Thomas Ken’s hymn, a song of gratitude for the light that illuminates our world and consciousness. Every sunrise, every sunset, is a testament to the beauty of existence, an invitation to awaken the spirit and transcend the mundane.