For the longest time, I’ve wrestled with taking the days of creation, presented in Genesis, in chronological order. Why? Mainly because God creates light a few days before creating the sun! How is that possible?
I’ve determined that the idea of light on the first day is of theological significance rather than scientific. My theory is that God’s creation of light is his determining to enter into the creation he made. It is—as the Orthodox would say—the energies of God manifesting in the finite world. The Word penatrating creation. It is important to note that God does not create light. He simply says “let there be light” and there was light. Unlike other days where we see the word “create” associated with various acts, in the case of light, it is simply called to be where it was not before. This is not to say that God is not omnipresent. This is simply to say that the way in which he was present in the world before and after the first day was different. In the same way that Christ is present with us now, but in a unique way in the Eucharist. So too, God was ever present in his creation, but in a unique way after the first day when his “temple” presence came to tabernacle. The sun, which governs the light of the day is simply a visual representation of God’s glory which is the light of the world, and will one day once again be the only light that the world will need to be illuminated.
Therefore, “light” on the first day is of liturgical significance. It is the moment that God entered creation to dwell with mankind.
Thoughts on this?
This is the first video reflection for the Great Fast.
Welcome to the Mere Catholicity Locals Community! Here, you will find like-minded Christians with a desire to live ecumenically and pursue Christ in all things.
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Friends - as I consider the various platforms that I operate, I find Substack to the most conducive to the model of online ministry that I am aiming for. Though I still plan to post here, as many of you still support me through this platform, Substack is where I will be focusing the majority of my time. If some of you wish to move your subscription from here to Substack, you are welcome to do that. Those who continue to support here, I will continue to post here — mostly the stuff that is behind the paywall on Substack so that you are getting the exclusive content regardless of where you are subscribed.
Hope you all are doing well. Lord bless you.
- Rev. Jonah
I've been gone again for a time preparing for my ordination. I was ordained a Deacon in the Holy Catholic Church on March 8th, 2025.
It was a joy beyond words. I am now back in full swing with ministry, media, and work.
I hope you all have been doing well. More to come soon.
Good morning everyone. I wanted to quickly update you on the Mere Catholicity Podcast. I’ve been posting videos on my channel, but it has been quite sometime since my channel has had a podcast episode release.
With my new job as a classical teacher, scheduling interviews has been a challenge. However, my plan is to use my summer breaks as time to double down on planning and recording new podcasts. The idea will be to record a ton of interviews that will then slowly release throughout the school year, expiring around the time the following summer arrives. This will ultimately result in a consistent once a month interview.
All that to say, the podcast will resume here in May or June of 2025 with some excellent interviews lined up!
Blessings on your Sunday!
