Forever, humans have been captivated by space, by what is beyond the Earth. Ancient civilizations were watching the stars and the planets and the sun. Observing. Noticing. paying attention. Trying to make sense of it all.
There are ancient structures, buildings, pyramids, even the serpent mounds of Ohio, that are oriented so that the sun hits in a certain way at a certain time of year. This activity of the sun had been observed and the construction capitalized on that. It is so amazing how humanity is captivated by the sun and the skies.
Now we have telescopes launched into space sending pictures and images back to Earth which enchant and astound us. There is SO much going on out there! And so much of it is beautiful!
Where does space fit into our world view? And where do we fit into space? The US now has a Space Force, the sixth branch of the military established in 2019. What is the mission of that branch of government?
“The U.S. Space Force protects our country and the freedom to operate in space, keeping it secure, stable and accessible for military space power and new waves of innovation.. . Space now defines our daily lives and the modern way of war.” [https://www.spaceforce.com/about]
Once space was about understanding time and the passing of the year and sacred devotion to the gods/God. It was the subject of curiosity and scientific exploration. Now, it is a venue for war and for the extension of capitalism. Apparently there are plans to put company logos in space so that they shine to earth.
One of the astronauts in Samantha Harvey’s novel Orbital reflects: “When he thinks of the six of them here, or the astronauts now going to the moon, he hears that haunting call – that’s what we’re doing when we come into space, asserting our species by extending its territory. Space is the one remaining wilderness we have. The solar system into which we venture is just the new frontier now our earthly frontiers have been discovered and plundered.” [p. 162]
Sadly space has become a vista for colonization, for ownership and claim to access, power, and resources. And of course, this all makes someone, someones, very rich!
Prayer: This Lenten season, may we see the folly of our ways. May we reclaim our need for the transcendent, for the Beyond, for something greater than we are. So that we may glory in the gift of this precious life on Earth. Amen.
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Devotion prepared by Rev. Kim P. Wells, pastor of Lakewood United Church of Christ in St. Petersburg, FL.
The devotions this Lenten season will be based on the novel Orbital by Samantha Harvey. Orbital won the Booker Prize in 2024. It is a beautifully written story about the experience of a group of people orbiting the Earth in a spaceship. They see 16 sunrises and sunsets in a 24 hour period. The book is a reflection on the experience of living together and appreciating planet Earth in a new way.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 