Wisdom 13:1-9 / Luke 17:26-37
No matter how bad we think this world is, we cannot deny that there are many things that are attractive and beautiful.
One of which is the natural beauty of the world with its breath-taking scenery.
Or the rolling plains and the high-ridge mountains that look so awesome.
Even the power of nature, like the mighty wind, the strong waves of the ocean, the fierce power of a volcanic eruption, can stun us as well as amaze us.
Yet, all of creation, from serenity and tranquility, to the spectacular and the power, all that points to the Creator.
The 1st reading says that those who see the good things and study the wonders of creation, are stupid if they fail to discover God or fail to recognize Him.
And some people are even charmed by the beauty and the power of created things that they have taken them to be gods.
At the end of the 1st reading, it says that there can be no excuse, since if people are capable of acquiring enough knowledge to be able to investigate the world, how can they be so slow to find its Maker.
As for us Christians, all the more, with our faith, we should be able to see God in everything.
And we should also be aware of God’s presence around us and in us, and be sensitive to His promptings and guidance.
Let us not be too distracted by the beauty of this world.
Rather, let us give thanks to God and strive to be the good and beautiful persons that He has created us to be.