Pastor Ken Frantz
Fearless Faith
In the world of astronomy, “first light” refers to the initial astronomical image produced by a new or refurbished telescope. It is a moment of great anticipation and excitement; a payoff of sorts for what in some cases has been decades of planning, engineering, and construction. Whether applied to ground or space-based telescopes, first light heralds the possibility of new discovery propelled by humankind’s appetite for knowledge born of exploration.
Within the next two decades, first light is anticipated for half a dozen new telescopes ranging in size from 2.4 to 38 meters. Larger ground-based telescopes will outperform the Hubble Space Telescope along with its successor, the James Webb Space Telescope. A radio telescope under construction in China sports a reflector with an area equal to thirty football fields. We presently can peer nearly 14 billion years into the past. What will be possible with telescopes ten or fifty or 100 times more powerful?
Technology is close to producing telescopes capable of directly imaging planets in other solar systems. They are so sensitive that star shades must be built to reduce even the faintest ambient light. It is a time of engineering challenge and hopeful discovery.
Many planets have been discovered indirectly so far, but direct imaging would allow a host of spectrographic measurements that could confirm the likelihood of life beyond our planet. For many, it is somewhat unsettling to imagine that creation occurs on such a grand scale. Are we unique in all the universe or must we deliberate our role in new ways, informed by both creation and creator?
First light also applies to moments in our faith journey when undeniable newness and truth emerge. These, too, are life altering, challenging us to expand human parameters of thought and reflection. What we have held true for many centuries is not summarily rejected, but observed under new illumination. If all we could view was dependent on a single wavelength or geographical perspective, then we would fall woefully short of understanding even the basics of our universe. The same is true for theology. Questioning what we imagine we know enables revelation to join us in our spiritual walk.
What first light will you encounter this coming year? Will you greet it openly with an inquisitive heart and mind, or will you run in fear from it, something that churches are quite good at promoting? Jesus was born to cast light upon all. Are we prepared for what that might illuminate in our lives?
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined… For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:2,6, MSG)
May 2018 be filled with first light moments that excite, innervate, and encourage. And may God’s loving grace be present with you throughout the year.
Ken Frantz is a non-salaried ordained pastor serving the Haxtun Church of the Brethren. He lives with his family near Fleming. Comments are always welcomed at goodhope@haxtuntel.net.
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