February 27. Reproduction. Something that appears to be forgotten frequently when considering creation is the dynamic process of evolution. It is now widely recognized that creation was not a one-off six day event but a very long and still ongoing process.  One very important aspect of creation, also seen from our particular perspective, is the wonderful ability of sexual reproduction as the way to sustain and multiply members and species.  This was a command of God in the biblical account of creation.  The term reproduction creates the impression of a more mechanical act of mating or fertilization in plants but when termed sexuality a more sensitive and emotional quality has become embedded in the concept especially for us human beings.   

Here is a nice creation story borrowed and adapted from a website https://biomimicry.net/sexual-reproduction-how-nature-creates-complex-diversity/ Imagine compressing the age of earth i.e. 4.5 billion years into one calendar year. All the major developments could be noted as a date on the calendar, beginning with January 1. Life first appeared on earth in the form of single-cell organisms on February 25. These organisms simply replicated themselves like carbon copies. It was easy and it was fast. In March, photosynthesis evolved as a development in plant life.

Much later, from 2 billion to 1.3 billion years ago, around 17 September on the Earth calendar something new evolved. It began with bacteria exchanging genetic material after which gradually genetic mutation occurred.  Sexual reproduction included mixing genes and so evolution continued, paving the way for the great diversity we see today.  Clearly in sexual reproduction organisms need to find a mate in order to reproduce. It would have been slow and tedious but is hugely important, as generations allow future generations to do more than their parents.  

Only in the last few hundred years is evolution being studied scientifically and certainly, even without taking into consideration the psychological and emotional aspects, sexual reproduction still remains one of the great mysteries of creation. Oh! and by the way if you compress earth’s 4.5 billion year-long history into 1 year, this day would be at less than 1 minute to midnight on 31st December. How does that make you feel? 

Scripture: So God created man in his own image, male and female he created them. And God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion…….  And God saw everything that he had made and behold it was very good.   Gen 1:26-31.

Pope Francis.  The Bible teaches that every man and woman is created out of love and made in God’s image and likeness.   This shows us the immense dignity of each person who is not just something, but someone.   He is capable of self-knowledge, of self-possession and of freely giving himself and entering into communion with other persons.   LS65.  Reflect, share, act, pray.  Reflect and share on the creation of sexuality as both a mechanical and relational matter.