Signs And Wonders

Anabelle and I went spelunking with some friends up north where we spent the past four days. In recent months, we have been awed by fantastic rock formations in different places. In one cave in Ilagan, Isabel we actually saw the beginnings of a new stalagmite. It all starts as a pool of water, with every drop sending out ripples across the pond. There is nothing solid for a long time. Stalagmites and stalactites need a century to add but an inch to their length or height. Eventually the head rises out of the water and an awesome stalagmite slowly starts taking shape, drop by drop, inch by inch.

This physical phenomenon has taught me several things about the life of the Spirit. All of this wonder happens in the emptiness and solitude of the cave, often in pitch black darkness. In the beginning, there is nothing but the fluid and amorphous water in the pond, created by the constant dripping from above. In the life of the Spirit, one has to be immersed and showered by an ocean of grace from above. I do nothing but to receive and accept this outpouring. I do not know what will eventually come out but I entrust myself totally to God’s care and providence. This process of creating may be between me and my creator but I am not alone. As the drops hit the pool, they send out ripples across the pond. I am reminded that I exist in a web of relationships: with nature, with others and with the Creator who is fashioning something awesome in my life.

I may not have seen nor touched nor heard my God. But He has left so many signs and wonders all over His creation for me to miss seeing or touching or hearing His Presence in my life.

Jesus also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘It is going to rain’; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat’; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”
Luke 12:54-59