The Spark of Life

Linda Kracht considers the inexplicable spark that has been observed at conception from a faith perspective. 

A secret about the start of life 

Can you keep a secret? Scientists have observed the emission of a SPARK when a male (human) sperm successfully impenetrates a female ovum — the scientific term for the female egg. Conception is normally a highly competitive race involving millions of sperm competing for one ovum. The end result of the race is a brand-new, microscopic-sized human person. And in celebratory fashion, a tiny, discernible flicker of light occurs!   

Who would have known this fact but for the observation of several highly skilled embryologists? Many of them remain baffled by their observation. But for you and me, a spark at the moment of conception is congruent with God being part and parcel of each human person’s creation. All of Creation is breathtaking, beautiful, inexplicable — but the human person is singularly unique! And so, now that we know that one tiny spark announces the start of a new human person endowed with a divine soul: the spark of eternal life! So, let’s spread the Good News!   

Then the Lord said: Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord; the Lord will pass by. There was a strong and violent wind rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the Lord—but the Lord was not in the wind; after the wind, an earthquake—but the Lord was not in the earthquake; after the earthquake, fire—but the Lord was not in the fire; after the fire, a light silent sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. (1 Kings 19:11-13a)

The divine spark 

This spark of life endows each person with a free will and the freedom to choose whatever he or she decides to do. And we all know that some choices matter greatly, while others have less effect. Where does this gift come from? God is the author of choice, and He gave it to us for good reason. Namely, we are able to prove that we love Him and the people around us through its application for good. We also prove our hatred or dislike for God and people we say we love through its misapplication or use. We learn in the Book of Sirach:  

God in the beginning created human beings and made them subject to their own free choice. If you choose, you can keep the commandments; loyalty is doing the will of God. Set before you are fire and water; to whatever you choose, stretch out your hand. Before everyone are life and death, whichever they choose will be given them. (Sirach 15:14-17) 

So, tell me: What are you going to choose to do today and tomorrow? Will you strive to better align your dreams and plans with those of God? Are you willing to reveal the secret Spark of Life as being wholly God-given? Or are you tempted to hide truth under a bushel basket for fear of being misunderstood or scorned? That is your choice and mine. Let’s use it wisely and lovingly.  

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Copyright 2024 Linda Kracht
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