Seven Sunday in Eastertide: Sermonizing in the midst of COVID-19

“To pray

is to take notice of the wonder,

to regain the 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 beauty,

we are

hating,

hunting,

hurting.”

(pause)

The great,

Mystical

Jewish scholar

Abraham Herschel

Ends with these words,