July 21, 2022
The Interfaith Peace Project continues its ongoing observance of the International Day of Peace, September 21, by sending out a reflection on the twenty-first of every month. We invite you share in this effort by sending any articles or information that you would like to share to:
Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P
925-787-9279
WHEN I BEHOLD
Continuing to Observe
The International Day of Peace
By Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.
Picture by NASA
Deep Space may not be the final frontier after all. Instead, our fascination with the Universe is our final frontier. Ever since the James Webb Space Telescope transmissions arrived on Earth, we have paused from our violent and confusing ways to ponder and be amazed if not stunned.
NASA released the first photos on July 12, 2022. The James Webb telescope is now one million miles out in Space, seeing what no one in history has seen before. The ingenuity, creativity, and persistence that made this happen is a testimony to the nobility of the human mind. We stand in awe of the technology and the the people who made this moment in history possible.
The James Webb Space Telescope has the capacity to see 13.6 billion light years away. Yet, the grandeur of the
A friend shared his first thoughts when viewing the first Webb photos. He said it made him feel tiny, insignificant in the vastness and mystery of Space. But, interestingly, another friend had a very different response. She felt amazed, blessed, transformed and hopeful.
The splendor of the Universe around us is our home. It is ours to behold. Our capacity for amazement, adventure, and discovery invite us to reconsider the age-old questions concerning the meaning of our existence.
The dancing galaxies, the wondrous stars, and the expanse of deep Space touch our minds, hearts, and souls. Perhaps all this beauty, all this mystery, and all this splendor invite us to care for one another as precious gifts created by the powers of the Universe. Our significance is born by the fact we were created by the forces and grandeur we now see.
Much like the first time we circled the Moon, James Webb invites us to open the Scripture and join
When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
who are we that you are mindful of us,
your beloved that you care for us?
(Psalm 8: 3-4)
Blessings to you, Holy Community, for looking up into the heavens. Blessings to you for beholding the splendor of
Notice
As things begin to return to a new normal, we at The Interfaith Peace Project are here for you in any way that you need us. The Antioch Center is now open to fully vaccinated people on Wednesdays, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. We are vigilant and will adjust to any and all recommendations from the state and county. We will continue our work through Zoom as we add in person programs. If you would like to schedule an in person or Zoom program or would like a phone appointment with any of us, give us a call. You may call or email Tom at:
Tom Bonacci
925-787- 9279
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