Such knowledge is too wonderful for me

Will human beings ever fathom all of the secrets of the universe? Certainly we are trying hard. Research institutions across the world, observatories and commercial operations are all busily identifying unanswered questions and seeking answers to them. Sometimes the answers are of great help to human-kind, sometimes they seem to remain as pure knowledge with no real-world implications, and sometimes they positively endanger our world. Just at the moment, for instance, there is a raging debate as to whether artificial intelligence falls into the first or the third category. No-one thinks it is in the second.

In the midst of all this noise, it may be comforting to reflect on the perspective of God. Obviously we can’t hope to understand God’s perspective to any real extent, but at daily prayer we open with some words which offer a poet’s take on God’s perspective of time. As you read this prayer, ponder the words “… in these last days …”:

Blessed are you, Sovereign God, creator of all,

to you be glory and praise for ever.

You founded the earth in the beginning

and the heavens are the work of your hands.

In the fullness of time you made us in your image,

and in these last days you have spoken to us

in your Son Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.

As we rejoice in the gift of your presence among us

let the light of your love always shine in our hearts,

your Spirit ever renew our lives

and your praises ever be on our lips.

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Blessed be God for ever.