It is a stark statement, this opening phrase of Genesis, declaring God the First Cause. For the truth is we are confronted with the fact that, although laboratories have produced almost magic formulas to improve the conditions of human existence from its dawning until death, the secret of life itself continues to evade the most intensive research. It would seem that the cosmic essence pulsating through all that has being is not translatable into terms of scientific precision. Scientists agree today that the universe is one in basic substance, that every form of matter occupying space is but a varying arrangement of elements energized by the originating impulse. It is obvious that all existence is related by reason of its origin.
Individuality obtains in myriad aspects in every kingdom, in mineral, flora, and fauna.
Yet underneath this diversity lies the deeper reality of one chain throughout the range of creation. Individual identity is as a drop of water in the ocean of the Whole. The same Life-force that erupted through the early volcanoes and condensed into the material world produced us all. We are one, truly, with all being. In the deepening evening light, I reflect on this unity of the cosmos, a majestic universe created of one substance, by one mysterious Life-force, and governed by one unerring Directive.