In the beginning

One knows the names of the first two people who landed on the moon in 1969: Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong. The name of the third person on this mission, Michael Collins, is hardly known. He was the mission commander who kept the command module flying in orbit around the moon while the other two were on the surface and without whom they might have died there.

When the space craft orbited the moon, every so often it would “disappear” behind the moon, that part of the moon we on earth never see and which he could not see either because it was in pitch darkness. The moon has no atmosphere thus there is no dispersal of light from the other side. Thus, one side is in bright sunshine and the other in total darkness.

When the space craft went behind the moon it was altogether out of contact with the earth. No electronic communication was possible. To all purposes he was alone in space, alone in the whole universe. He could not see or hear anything.

Suddenly he was in the light again and once more among the living.

In the beginning

In the beginning this is how God must have felt. He was alone when there was no space, no universe, no time, no nothing. In the beginning it was the Word, and the Word was God. But God is a God of love and love cannot be alone. Love calls the love of other. This love led to the creation of all things. The creation was done according to a well thought plan. God created the earth by separating the water to form the sea and the sky. He created nature, animals, etc. Once he was satisfied with his work, he created man and to ensure that he is not alone he created a woman.

God is also Light and where God is there is no darkness. John writes in his gospel: “in him was Life and that Life was the Light … that enlightens everyone that comes (into being) … Light shone in the darkness, and the darkness could not quench that Light.”

Spiritual life

Before turning to God, you were alone and walked in darkness. You might have tried to survive in the world by joining worldly activities like parties, drugs, etc. Despite doing this, you were alone as the friendship of the world was shallow and not longstanding. You longed for a deep and sustainable companionship. You staggered along in the darkness, alone and not knowing where to go.

Then you found God. You found peace and joy of knowing that you are his child. You are loved and belong to someone. You are blessed by the gift of salvation and received the light of the knowledge of the glory of God.

God in his wisdom not only gave us companionship and light he gave us the power to channel his love to others and to be light for others when there is darkness. We also have the ability to bring joy, hope and healing to others.

In the modern world we sometimes wish that we could be alone. We do not want to see or hear other people, deal with problems, slow the fast tempo we must live. One needs a spiritual break so that one can go to a place where there is quietness, and we can rest. You need to renew your walk with God, recharge your spiritual batteries, and find the God of love and light again.

Covid19 took us to the darkness at the back of the moon. Shortly we will be in the light again. Despite the feeling of loneliness, we know that God is with us and he is closer than we think. Still follow all things that are sincere and beautiful and let kindness be a part of every gesture. In the words of Bernard Levine be gentle with yourself- take time to relax. Find happiness and peace within your heart. Enrich your life with prayer. Control your attitudes and your emotions. Live your life enthusiastically.”

I leave you with this poem by Bernard Levine

BE!

Be a friend to the lonely

Be kind with your words

Be faithful in your dealings

Be true in your love

Be brave in misfortune

Be humble in self-esteem

Be generous to the needy

Be gently to those hurt

Be alert for opportunity

Be determined to succeed

Be helpful to humanity

Be useful with your life.

Lord let your light so shine upon our path this day that we may walk in your presence and walk in your way.