E=MC2

An over simplification of Einstein’s theory of relativity states that as an object gets closer to the speed of light the slower time goes. At the speed of light time stops. It is believed we cannot reach the speed of light because the faster we go the greater our mass increases. Our mass will increase to the point that we cannot produce enough energy to continue acceleration. At some point we simply hit a wall that we cannot get past.

Einstein was so close to getting it right. He only looked at his equation from the natural world. But, as C.S. Lewis wrote in the Screwtape Letters, “Humans are amphibians...half spirit and half animal...as spirits they belong to the eternal world, but as animals they inhabit time. This means that while their spirit can be directed to an eternal object, their bodies, passions, and imaginations are in continual change, for to be in time, means to change.”

We are creatures of both the natural and supernatural worlds. When we look at Einstein’s theory of relativity through supernatural eyes we can see it at work more clearly. God is light. God is not eternal, as he exists outside of time. There is no time for God. Every moment of time is the same moment for God. God is in the eternal now.

We, however, exist inside of time. A moment ago no longer exists. A moment from now is yet to be. This moment is where eternity intersects time. We live in the eternal moment of now. God is in the eternal now. We are in the eternal moment of now.

The Church teaches that when we die we make a transition between time to timelessness. We exit time where we are in constant change to eternity where there is no change. The ultimate destination for us is either heaven or hell where we will be what we are for all eternity. Only the perfect can stand before the perfect and God is the perfection of all things. Most of us will die in a state of imperfection, which means we cannot stand before God as we are. Purgatory is the place people go who die in the friendship with God but are not perfected to a state that they can enter into his presence. Purgatory is a time of development for our souls where we let go of all of our earthly attachments and learn to love the way God loves.

Looking at this through metaphysical eyes, purgatory is where we become more like God. God is light so purgatory is a place where we become more like light itself. The closer we get to light the slower time goes. When we are perfected and become like the light time stops and we enter into eternity. This is precisely what the theory of relativity expresses.

The only part of the equation left is mass. The closer we get to the speed of light the greater mass becomes. This is also true when looking at it in the supernatural realm. Catholics believe that our Mass acts as a conduit through time and space that transports us back to the foot of the cross at the crucifixion. The Mass makes Christ’s crucifixion present to us here and now so that we may take part in in. This Mass is the same Mass that the Book of Revelations talks about at the end of time. The crucifixion and the Mass at the end of time is the same event viewed from the natural and the supernatural worlds. The Mass as seen at the end of time is the culmination of all things and becomes the greatest moment in all of human history. The closer we get to eternity the greater the Mass becomes.

Science and Church are not at odds with one another. The natural proves the supernatural when properly understood. All things point to and give glory to God who created them.