Good morning!
I love mornings, when the whole universe arises to pray. Birds burst into song with the joy of heralding another morning. The alluring azaan from the minarets of masjids invites Muslims to namaaz, while Hindus recite the Gayatri Mantra and Christians synchronise morning worship with the pealing of church bells. All Indians seem attuned to adoring the Absolute, called by many names.
Mornings are singularly “good” in all religious traditions. Dawn is the time when the pulse of life reasserts itself and
purposeful action is initiated. The Bible refers to morning over 200 times, describing it as God’s special time. God’s steadfast love and mercy “are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23). Morning is spiritually significant since it’s a time of prayer (Psalm 5:3), worship (1 Sam 1:19) and sacrifices (Leviticus 6:12).
Since daylight dispels the cloak of darkness, mornings are regarded as times of revelation. Daniel is found safe in the lions’ den at daybreak (Dan 6:19) and Jesus’ empty tomb is discovered early morning (John 20:1). God’s actions are especially evident every morning: “Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you” (Psalm 5:3).
Besides recitation of the Gayatri Mantra and repetition of the Divine Om, Vedic Hinduism prescribes many morning rituals aimed at animating the activities of the day. Isn’t it common to see seers atop mountains and beside rivers praying and meditating early
mornings?
Mornings were important for Jesus. He spent long hours praying to God at daybreak. He also took crucial decisions like choosing his disciples after his morning prayer. As the supreme image of hope Christ is portrayed as “the bright morning star” (Revelation 22:16).
Besides the religious significance of morning, arising early has health benefits since the night absorbs the toxins emitted by vehicles and factories during the day, making the morning air fresh and pure. Moreover, after a restful sleep, the brain is fresh to begin creative work.
There’s also psychological gain in waking up early. One who rises at dawn has a head-start over those lazing long in bed. While the early riser completes many tasks early morning and exudes confidence, the lounger has to “make up” by burning midnight oil to complete unfinished works.
On my early morning walks, I admire the rag-pickers who scurry with their sacks seeking scraps to earn a few rupees. I salute the kids who brave wintry winds to reach school. I’m grateful to Satpal who sweeps the road to my residence. “Good morning!” he says happily. Truly, “joy comes with the morning” (Psalm 30:5). While these early birds seem to pray, “Good morning, O God!” those languishing in bed are probably mourning, “Oh my God, already morning?”
Francis Gonsalves is the principal of the Vidyajyoti College of Theology, Delhi. He can be contacted at fragons@gmail.com
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