Last Sunday I preached about collective, relational peace—and I used the eating habits of the unicellular stentor as an example of individual energies combined and magnified for the greater good. One of my favorite things about preaching is continuing the conversation once the sermon is done, and after the service on Sunday I was approached by a visitor who told me that a similar collective process happens with the formation of stars.
Apparently, (and a quick online search reinforces this), stars begin with cosmic dust. The dust responds to gravitational pull, and the more dust coalesces, the greater that pull becomes. Stardust attracts more stardust. This stardust combines with atmospheric gasses, forming what’s known as “stellar nurseries.” The positive energy cycle grows and grows until the gravitational force becomes so great that the collective mass folds in on itself, concentrates, ignites, and becomes a star.
OK, I know, this is an incredible simplistic description of a very complex cosmic process. But it’s beautiful! The idea that small particles can pull together. And that the more they unite, the more compelling they become to other particles, eventually transforming into something bold and filled with light; light that can contribute to celestial patterns in the sky and can break through the void of night.
Church communities can function as “spiritual nurseries.” Each soul, coming together, contributing to the formation of community that pulls in others. Becoming transformed, so that they (we!) can offer our energies and brighten God’s transformation of the world.
Shine on,
