Reading
“Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him all His host! Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars! Praise Him, you highest heavens and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He commanded and they were created…Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedards! Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds…Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above earth and heaven.”
Psalm 148:1-5,9-10,13
Reflection
This week I’ve been enjoying some time away with the family in Santa Fe, New Mexico. On Tuesday morning, I woke up before anyone in the house; so I snuck upstairs, made a pot of coffee, and planted myself on the deck to watch the sunrise over the Adobe houses.
As I sat there, I was surrounded by the songs of what sounded like hundreds of birds–many I didn’t recognize from home. I got to wondering, “why do birds sing?”
Rather than jumping straight to Google for the answer, I chose to sit and ponder for a minute. I knew there were probably practical reasons for their singing: attracting mates, warning others of predators, or marking territory. But at that moment, all was still and calm. None of those things seemed relevant.
From where I sat, it seemed that they were sitting in their nests just singing. Then it struck me–they sing because they can. They are alive. The sun has come up. And they are celebrating the joy of creation. Their gratitude overflows into song.
So, what are some things that we humans do “just because we can”? What are human activities that don’t serve a larger purpose other than to celebrate the joy of being alive?
Yesterday, my family and I went to a place called Meow Wolf which is an immersive art experience. At each turn, you walk through doors into unknown and unexpected experiential art. At points, you crawl through a fireplace into another room or slide down through a washing machine portal to another dimension.
My favorite part of the whole thing was observing my kids’ and my niece’s reactions. Behind one seemingly typical door was a room that held a totem pole with buttons that controlled the music and lights in the room. The kids went wild; they danced like no one was watching. The energy was so contagious that the rest of us adults (including strangers) even joined in. In that moment, dancing had no purpose other than connecting us to each other and the music. So we danced for joy.
God made us for moments like that where we connect with Him and each other. As you go about your week, I invite you to think of the things you can do just because you can because God made you to do them. Then, make some time and space to do them.
Prayer
The Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis of Assisi (Patron Saint of Santa Fe)
Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,
Yours are the praises, the glory, the honor, and all blessing.
To You alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no human is worthy to mention Your name.
Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day and through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor;
and bears a likeness of You, Most High One.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,
and through the air, cloudy and serene,
and every kind of weather,
through which You give sustenance to Your creatures.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water, who is very useful and humble
and precious and chaste.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night
and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.
Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth,
who sustains and governs us,
and who produces varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Praised be You, my Lord, through those who
give pardon for Your love,
and bear infirmity and tribulation.
Blessed are those who endure in peace
for by You, Most High, shall they be crowned.
Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death,
from whom no one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin.
Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy will,
for the second death shall do them no harm.
Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks
and serve Him with great humility.
