Okay, I know it's not going to convince any hardcore atheists or maybe even to wavering agnostics. But it's hard to look at these photos from the newly restored Hubble telescope and not wonder how someone can still doubt God's hand in something like this. Random this isn't. For the believer it's hard not to think of Psalm 8. When I was in theology studies in Cambridge, Mass., I used to pass through Harvard Yard on the way to Weston Jesuit, and read these verses, portions of which were inscribed above the entrance to Emerson Hall:
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?
And--sorry, I was just on retreat and spent lots of time among flora and fauna so bear with me--but even the commonplace Goldenrod (bane of allergy sufferers but beautiful nonetheless) doesn't seem random.
From the colossal star factories light years away to the lowly plants of the field visible in our backyards: beauty and order everywhere. What are human beings that God is mindful of us, after all? Grateful perhaps.
And hope your retreat went beautifully. It is good to have you back!
And every common bush aflame with God
But only he who sees takes off his shoes
From Elizabeth Barrett Browning "Aurora Leight"