Parish Minister   Rev. Mary Katherine Morn

My family and I were touring the new physics building at William and Mary late this summer when we ran into a theoretical physicist who loves to talk physics. I seized the moment, and his enthusiasm, to ask him about the Higgs boson particle. [This is the particle theorized by scientists in the '60s to explain how matter acquires mass. This summer, scientists at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Geneva believe they saw actual evidence of its existence.] His face lit up and he jumped into a rapid, lively explanation that left this non-expert a little confused. Maybe my feet were just tired from all the walking we'd been doing ... but I enjoyed his enthusiasm, at least.

Recently, I was grateful for a more patient conversation with a physicist in our congregation. In these conversations and in my reading, (in preparation for this weekend's sermon), I am struck by the process of scientific discovery.

Scientists operate for years, decades even, on assumptions that will explain a theory. Their work requires belief in something that they cannot yet see. Millions of dollars (billions in the case of Higgs boson) are invested in research hoping to fill in the missing pieces. To prove a theory. What a fascinating way to work.

I was especially struck by the comment from one scientist that she really hopes it isn't the Higgs boson that they have found. You see, it could be even more interesting. If they discover it is a particle with unexpected characteristics ... well, this will open up a whole new set of questions and theories.

Imagine the consequences if we had the discipline to approach a new day with this level of curiosity and humility. Too often, I encounter a new day assuming I know what it will hold. Expecting the same old stuff. It makes me smile to imagine that I might approach a day not only just open to something unexpected, but actively hoping to be mistaken in my expectations!