Psalm 8
1 O LORD, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouths of babes and infants
you have founded a bulwark because of your foes,
to silence the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
4 what are humans that you are mindful of them,
mortals[a] that you care for them?
5 Yet you have made them a little lower than God[b]
and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You have given them dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under their feet,
7 all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

4 “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body and after that can do nothing more. 5 But I will show you whom to fear: fear the one who, after killing, has authority[a] to cast into hell.[b] Yes, I tell you, fear that one! 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. 7 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:4-7

Stars, the billions, a plethora of stars. If you have ever camped out away from the city lights, on a clear night, you may have been overwhelmed with the amazing sky. I was at a monastery of Christ in the desert, in New Mexico once. It was so amazing to look up late at night and see stars all across the sky. The stark contrast of the night sky and the twinkle of the stars… took my breath away. Or have you been overwhelmed by the harvest moon, large, massive, bright. Sunsets also with all the splashes of color move with awe.

How is it, the Psalmist said when I look to the sky and see that and realize you are mindful of humans, of the people, of me! We seem so insignificant next to visions of the universe. We have seen intricately detailed views of space with James Webb telescope. Sometimes when I look up at the sky, I have no words, just awe. Just gratitude.

How is it , Psalm 8 says,
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
4 what are humans that you are mindful of them,
mortals[a] that you care for them?

And yet, in the Gospel of Luke Jesus says God knows how many hairs are on our heads.

But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid Luke 12:7

I once watched and listened to a conversation between Francis Collins, a biologist who helped crack the genetic code so we can determine the DNA of people, and a cosmologist (not cosmetologist) who studied the universe and its reactions. It reminded me of the little cartoons from the 50’s and 60’s of these two polite British gophers and Mack and Tosh. You are the wisest searching beyond what the mind can see in the space and beyond, no you understand the intricacies of the body, the smallest of atoms. Deep respect for those looking at the small details and those looking and the large massive creations.

Christ in the Desert Monastery, New Mexico

How can this majestic, almighty God who creates the universe care or even notice us? I believe it is because:

God is different, not distant.

Yes, God is holy, which means other. God is different from us, but not distant from us. There was a lilting song called: “From a Distance”. One lyrics states, “God is watching us, from a distance.” Sometimes we feel small when we ponder the stars, the moon, the sky. Yet, God is different and almighty, yet not distant. God is so near he knows us. Really knows us. And loves us.

This is World Communion Sunday. It is a Sunday we acknowledge people around the world gather to eat the bread and drink from the cup. We gather around the table in places near and far eating sourdough, rye, tortillas, crackers, wafers, wonderbread – all the body of Christ. Drinking wine or juice from handmade chalices and silver goblets, golden spoons and little mini cups – the blood of Christ. The bread and the cup unite us with all who would follow Jesus. The meal reaches back through the centuries. The table reaches around the world. Let us eat and drink with Joy.

We ponder the whole world. It may seem overwhelming. Do you remember the children’s song, “He’s got the whole world, in his hands?” God has got this. God is at work in you and me.

I can’t explain how. Fortunately, I do not have to. I am not God. I just proclaim the God who created the stars, loves you.

For this reason we come together and celebrate. Thanks be to God. AMEN.