This Sunday we celebrate the Epiphany of Our Lord. Epiphany is the manifestation of
Jesus to the nations in the figures of the Three Wise Men, traditionally known as Caspar,
Melchior and Balthazar. These three, truly wise men used their science, astronomy, to
come to Jesus. How often are we told and taught that science and religion clash; the two
are in opposition. It cannot be. How could creation and its laws of nature clash with the
true Faith of Jesus Christ? After all, is not the Author of both One and the Same,
Almighty God? The Catechism of the Catholic Church states the following:
Though faith is above reason, there can never be any real discrepancy between
faith and reason. Since the same God who reveals mysteries and infuses faith has
bestowed the light of reason on the human mind, God cannot deny himself, nor
can truth ever contradict truth. Consequently, methodical research in all branches
of knowledge, provided it is carried out in a truly scientific manner and does not
override moral laws, can never conflict with the faith, because the things of the
world and the things of faith derive from the same God. The humble and
persevering investigator of the secrets of nature is being led, as it were, by the
hand of God in spite of himself, for it is God, the conserver of all things, who
made them what they are. (CCC 159)
The seemingly great conflict between faith and science (reason) today is posed with the
theory of evolution, emphasis on THEORY. Take a look at your children’s science
textbooks. How many speak of evolution as fact? However, how many of them will
discuss and present – as carefully as evolution is – creationism? I have mentioned in a
couple of homilies a conversation I once had with a gentleman who worked on the
Hubble Telescope for NASA. He told me quite clearly that all of the individuals of
science who worked on the telescope, its activity and its findings believed in a divine
being. It was clear to them that the order and magnitude of the universe that they were
able to witness pointed to a Creator.
Have you ever come across in your science books re: the beginning of the world a man
by the name of LeMaitre? He came up with the theory of the Big Bang. Many in the
scientific world have accepted the theory. Unfortunately, a good number do not keep
God in the equation. But, LeMaitre came up with the Big Bang Theory as a way of
explaining the beginning of the universe in conjunction with God as Creator! For,
LeMaitre’s full name is FATHER LeMaitre. He was a Catholic priest!
May we learn from Fr. LeMaitre and the many, many faithful Catholics who have worked
in the field of the physical sciences to grow close to God through their study!
God Bless
FRVW
