Grazing On God's Wonders

Because the Word of God is so important to St. Benedict, in his view, mistakes in proclaiming or chanting Scripture are unacceptable. Thus in chapter 45 of his Rule, he says, “Any who make a mistake in a psalm, responsory, refrain or reading must make satisfaction right away before all.” The implication is that the person is at fault for neglecting to adequately prepare for prayer or for failing to be mindful during prayer. However, sometimes a slip of the tongue occurs that can be an occasion of grace.

Such an occasion occurred at mass last Saturday during the first reading from Wisdom. The passage described how God provided for the Israelites “an unhindered way out of the Red Sea, and a grassy plain out of the raging waves, where those protected by your hand passed through as one nation, after gazing on marvelous wonders.” What the reader proclaimed instead was “after grazing on marvelous wonders.”

This slip made me consider the difference between ”gazing” and “grazing” on God’s wonders. It is helpful to consider what happens when cows graze. First, they chew their food just enough to moisten it. Once swallowed, it goes to the first portion of the stomach, called the rumen, where it mixes with other acidic digestive liquids and is softened. This softened food is called the cud, and it is sent back up to the cow's mouth, where it is re-chewed before going back down into her stomach to be fully digested. Thus, the argument could be made that it’s not enough for us just to gaze (take in) God’s wonders; we need to “ruminate” about them so we can fully digest them and receive the full benefit of what God has provided for us.

Cows spend nearly eight hours out of every day chewing their cud. How much time do we spend each day contemplating the splendor and variety of creation, the marvelous workings of our own bodies, and God’s very presence in our lives? I invite you to take some time today not just to gaze but to graze upon some of God’s marvelous wonders. Then, like all healthy cows, you too can be called contented!