Victor Glover, a NASA pilot currently on board Artemis II, took time out to reflect on Easter Sunday while traveling towards the moon. When asked simply about the holiday, he had nothing scripted. Glover instead referenced a well-known Christmas Eve reading from Genesis, given by the Apollo 8 astronauts. After referencing the Genesis passage, Glover then reflected further.*
“I’m glad you mentioned that,” Glover stated. “Those types of events are very significant.”
Glover also noted that from afar, he views the earth as one body. A wonderful example of all that Scripture states was created for us.
“You have an incredible piece of property, you’ve got an incredible ship,” Glover explained. Although his crew travels farther away from home within their Orion spacecraft, Glover stressed that each individual living on Earth sits atop their own personal ship called Earth. Designed with precision to support life in the midst of an incredibly vast and empty universe.
Although there may be great distances between those of us listening and the astronauts, Glover emphasized that we remain no further removed from the truth. “Trust me,” Glover implored, “You are special.” Amidst the emptiness of space, Earth remains a unique sanctuary where humans are able to live collectively.
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However, Glover’s comments regarding our planet being a carefully constructed sanctuary to support humanity leave you pondering how strong the evidence supporting Intelligent Design actually is.
Doesn’t it seem peculiar that a veteran NASA astronaut, trained in both the harsh realities of engineering and physics, would reference the Bible and the beauty of creation during Easter, and express them so freely? Glover’s words clearly transcend the usual noise. Rather, Glover’s words echo centuries of Catholic tradition that consistently blended faith and reason in harmony. The same Church that produced such notable scholars as St. Thomas Aquinas and many others who studied the heavens, now hears its truths reiterated by one of today’s explorers via orbit.
Glover’s message couldn’t arrive at a better time. Easter commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ; an event which serves as definitive proof that death ultimately holds no authority over anything and that all creation has been restored.
As John writes in the Gospel, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...All things were made through Him.” Christ is not merely the Redeemer who rose on Easter morning. Rather, He is the eternal Lord of the universe. The One who spoke galaxies, stars, and our precious Earth into existence. When Glover gazed upon Earth and referred to it as a beautifully crafted oasis specifically prepared for us, his words unwittingly echoed that unchanging truth in perhaps the most modern context ever.
What resonates most profoundly about Glover’s testimony is that it lacks pretension completely. There was no sermon. No politics. Simply a genuine sense of awe from an individual who viewed Earth from a vantage point few people will ever experience.
Because Catholics have an especially powerful connection to these ideas, this landing is especially impactful. The same God who refined the universe to support life selected to reside among us as a humble man. He endured suffering, death and resurrection so that we might participate in divine life. That is the unparalleled majesty of Jesus Christ this Easter season.
Why does seeing Earth from deep space so frequently evoke some deeper truth in our souls? Why do so many astronauts historically have gone back to their homes after having experienced space travel expressing not randomness but beauty, order, and undeniable intent?
That is because of the design itself. Earth’s precise distance from the Sun, Earth’s protective magnetic field and atmospheric layer, Earth’s ample water supply, Earth’s gentle tilt. Each element demonstrates the glory of the Creator. Glover’s spontaneous commentary encourages every listener regardless if they believe or not to see that glory anew during this Eastertide.
At a time when much of the world loves to create divisions, Glover’s invitation to recall where we are and who we are carries subtle weight. Catholics understand that true unity is not based upon slogans but upon the Cross and empty tomb. The Risen Christ extends forgiveness, hope and eternal life to every soul journeying together on this wondrous spaceship known as Earth.
Glover’s words serve as a soft yet firm witness in an era that often seeks to displace faith. As evidenced here in one of the most public forums possible, the truth naturally emerged without fanfare.
This Easter season allow Victor Glover’s message to inspire your spirit. Take a look at the world surrounding you or consider looking up at the evening starry sky tonight. Recall that you are special. This oasis was lovingly built for you. And since the One who formed the entirety of the universe entered your world personally so you could enjoy abundant life.
Jesus Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! And even now from beyond the confines of space that glorious Good News echoes across the cosmos.
Rejoice once again before Your Risen Lord. Please share this witness with your loved ones and friends. May the grandeur of creation and the grander grandeur of Resurrection energize your homes and spirits this Easter season.
