The Cosmic Symphony

Integrating our lives into the symphony of the cosmos

Luke 24:13-35

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.

          Do you remember Bishop Peter Sartain? He was our bishop for six years and he’s now the archbishop of Seattle. Whenever he would describe an issue or situation, he would say that things happen on different levels, and he would invite us to try to see those multiple levels. For example, a couple struggling in their marriage may also be undergoing a spiritual crisis, as well as financial turmoil, and may be even deep psychological grief. In other words, things are not as simple as they seem on the surface, or in Latin, “prima facie.” Now, the interesting thing is how Bishop Sartain would use his hands to illustrate these different levels, by moving his hands up and down. Bishop Sartain used his hands a lot to make his point, and it always made me wonder if he was Italian. Do you know how to test if someone is Italian? Ask them to talk while sitting on their hands.

          In the gospel today we see that Scripture should also be seen and interpreted on different levels. St. Luke tells the story of two disciples who encounter Jesus as they walk along and finally Jesus joins them for supper. That’s one level of the story. But there’s also a spiritual sense. If you sort of “step back” and look at the story as a whole, you’ll see two parts: first, Jesus explains the Scriptures, and second, Jesus breaks bread and eats with them. Can you think of any other experience that has these two parts: Scripture study and breaking bread? Of course, it’s what you are doing right now, the Mass. In other words, Luke is not only recounting a historical event, he’s also teaching a spiritual lesson: disciples will always encounter Christ in the Mass. The best way to experience the Bible, like life, is on different levels.

          My friends, let me invite you to see how your life is lived on various levels. Sometimes, we want to oversimplify things and say, “All that matters is money!” or “Just pray about it, and everything will be fine!” or “Everything depends on who will become president!” But life is not that simple. And then, after you see these various levels, try to integrate them, so that there is harmony and consistency throughout your day, and throughout your life, and on every level.

          Your life should be like a great symphony. Different instruments each playing its proper part – cellos, violins, trumpets and drums, politics, prayer, finances and family – each unique but integrated into the whole. That way, our lives become part of the much larger symphony of the cosmos praising its Creator. And by the way, who directs a symphony? A conductor does. And how does he conduct a symphony? He uses his hands.

          Praised be Jesus Christ!