Reflections
Summer, 2008

Gratefulness
by Abraham Heschel

To pray is to regain a sense
of the mystery that animates all beings,
the divine margin in all attainments.
Prayer is
our humble answer to the inconceivable surprise of living.
It is all we can offer
in return for the mystery by which we live.
Who is worthy to be present
at the constant unfolding of time?
Amidst the meditation of mountains,
the humility of flowers -
wiser than all alphabets -
clouds that die constantly
for the sake of God's glory.
We are hating, hunting, hurting.
Suddenly we feel ashamed of our clashes
and complaints
in the face of the tacit glory in nature.
It is so embarrassing to live!
How strange we are in the world,
and how presumptuous our doings!
Only one response can maintain us:
gratefulness for witnessing the wonder,
for the gift or our unearned
right to serve, to adore, and to fulfill.
It is gratefulness which makes the soul great!

New reflections coming soon.

 

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