Majesty
others may say: that is too immense; I feel like a speck of dust.
All of us may say: looking at the hugeness of creation we feel our insignificance
and wonder what life is all about.
All our lives began as a small speck of hope, of wonder. Without the gift of life, later the gift of senses, all this would be as nothing. We are part of the universe, held in Gods hand. What else can we say, than to praise you God for the wonder of our being.
Looking at the mountain, its snow, melting in to rivers, which in turn reflect the colours of hills and trees, we feel the grandeur of the surrounding creation, polished by ice, water and wind. We feel invited to touch the broken rocks, the swirling water and the old trees.
Time to sit down and enjoy this beautiful scene and meditate in stillness about the wisdom of the creation, giving us eyes to see for ourselves the majesty of nature
and inviting us to celebrate God’s majestic love for us.
The hymn "Majesty" comes to my mind:
Majesty, worship his majesty;Unto Jesus be all glory, honour, and praise.Majesty, kingdom authority,Flow from his throne unto his own, his anthem raise.So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus.Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus, the King.Majesty, worship his majesty,Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all kings.
There are times when the incredible beauty of the Milford sounds reminds me and all who have seen the mountains and the waters, that we need to respect the sacredness of creation.
As the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference said:" We have to respect creation, as partners in the life with the earth, the oceans, the lakes, the animal world, the mountains,
the fish of the sea and birds in our forests and gardens."
In my hobby as painter of landscapes I am often drawn towards the beauty of New Zealand’s mountains and valleys. I am also inclined to stylise what I have in mind with flowing lines and contrasting colours, as the above painting illustrates. So I thank God for this talent of mine, adding my contribution in spreading the Good News. May more people see in the beauty of God’s creation nourishment in their lives
and experience on the mountain of the Lord the mystery of his Love.
Let me finish by quoting from Isaiah 25:6-9:
7 On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
8 he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces;
6"A feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—
the best of meats and the finest of wines.
he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth.
The LORD has spoken.
9 In that day they will say, This is the LORD, we trusted in him;
let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."
God bless you,
Fr John Heijnen
