Starbound
MInisterial Meandering
Starbound
Stars have always been special to me - as they are for many people. For most of us they are a source of wonder and awe, for others a stimulus to greater knowledge, for others a muse for music or poetry, and for some - a destination.
I think I can probably fit into several of those categories, including the last; but unlike those scientifically bent, I imagine getting there under my own steam, so to speak. I will fly to the stars - because I can.
Years ago, when we were still living in Zululand, the local Zululand Observer would produce an edition around April 1st, with a spoof article in it, which frequently fooled a lot of people. Despite my recent stupidity being defrauded, I was not amongst them, and would spot the joke. One year the paper brought out an article, supposedly submitted by the local fire department, of an infinitely extendable ‘laser ladder’ - complete with a photograph of a fireman climbing said ladder. Sheila thought it was a wonderful idea - until I showed her the date on the newspaper!
A ‘laser ladder’ would make a splendid form of access to the starry hosts above us, but my preferred option would be to lift off on a cloud of music (of my own composition), into the night sky. Rather like Peter Pan, Wendy, and Nana, I would have all my dogs with me, and for once I would understand the meaning of every bark instantly, without having to work out what each was saying.
What would be so much more satisfying is that I could invite all the family along, and enjoy their sense of wonder and surprise. I would have been several times before, you understand, so I would be the celestial guide.
Not only that, it would have been my pleasure - not so much to teach them, as to show them - that they could fly too. They just didn’t know it yet.
You may, by now, have decided that your vicar is clearly in his second childhood, and you are saddled with this old fool for another 3 years! How on earth are you going to put up with this sort of rambling?
But supposing it isn’t entirely rambling? And supposing it isn’t all hogwash? I accept that we may not all start launching ourselves from our backyards into the night sky, like a covert precision strike on Mar-a-Largo - although that idea has some appeal, I have to admit.
No, what I am suggesting is that the realization of our ultimate spiritual journey takes us not only to the stars - but beyond, to the source of time, space, and matter - into the heart of God and the origin of eternity.
Why should you sneer and scoff at me? If anything, be a little jealous - though your turn could come too - if you follow the signs.
When my time comes, and God has no more use for my physical body here on earth, don’t waste time looking at an empty husk - just be glad for me, and say to each other, “He’s flying now - starbound”.
Philip+