The opening text will come from a book by Abraham Joshua Heschel (God in Search of Man - A Philosophy of Judaism). As you are able to see by the title, the language may be a bit dated and therefore, I will, when able, make the language inclusive.
“I said, I will be wise, but it was far from me. That which is, is far off and deep, exceedingly deep. Who can find it out?” (Ecclesiastes 7:23-24). Ecclesiastes is not only saying that the world’s wise are not wise enough, but something more radical. What is, is more than what you see; what is, is “far off and deep, exceedingly deep.” Being is mysterious…
Wisdom is beyond our reach. We are unable to attain insight into the ultimate meaning and purpose of things. (A person) does not know the thoughts of (his/her) own mind nor is (s/he) able to under the meaning of (his/her) own dreams [see Daniel 2:27].
Being is mysterious…that’s for sure. From moment to moment it seems as though the whole world can change. How we see our life situation…how we handle the news of the day…how people we meet are able to have an impact on how we continue on with what we were planning on doing – something can break into our day and make for a new world. There is not a logical path to life. Nor is it possible to be wise or smart enough to face what is to come. I find that this notion of our being as mysterious at least puts us into the day facing it with some openness and appreciation for what is outside my control. I suppose my prayer would be that each of us would be open to the mysterious…to a glimpse of more than what is visible.
Connection: When during this day will you be able to be at peace with the notion that being is mysterious…and then…be at peace with what is being held out to you along the way?
Lord of the Whole Universe…and more, help us to dream and soar and fly into the day as though we trust in you alone and therefore we are open to the insights that will come to us by the power of your Holy Spirit. Let us rest in peace by leaving our burdens within your hands. Amen.
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