Experience One Body while seeing fireworks this 4th of July

Last updated on: May 6, 2025 at 10:52 am by Samantha Mattheiss

Experience One Body while seeing fireworks this 4th of July 2025-05-06T10:52:09-04:00 Samantha Mattheiss

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Unite in viewing fireworks. Fireworks – Adelaide Skyshow 2010
Photo by Murti.

Seeing fireworks is always an outstanding experience. I can recall my childhood memories of walking to the fireworks with crowds of cousins. We sat on blankets while we all looked up, all felt the rolling vibrations, and all felt our mouths fall open with awe as we enjoyed one beautiful blast after another. To this day, each time I see fireworks, I feel particularly close to those around me.

Research on unity and shared experiences

Well, research explains why this occurs. When two people participate in a shared experience, their bodies physiologically synchronize. Their pupils might dilate or constrict in similar ways, their hearts might beat in similar patterns, and their breathing might occur in similar waves. Check out this HubermanLab podcast for more information about these studies.

Catholic view on unity

Now let’s relate this to the Catholic faith. We hear in Acts of the Apostles that we are One Body, and when one part of the body hurts, the others suffer (Acts 9:4-5). This might seem like an intangible reality as we look around, recognizing distinct bodies belonging to each individual we see. Yet the Biblical words are supported by science, which again, shows that we share each other’s physiology.

Shared experience of Jesus Christ

Next time you’re having a difficult time with someone, try to refocus your thoughts on a common, outside experience—maybe a movie or performance, or maybe Jesus Christ, hanging upon the crucifix out of love for us. When you do so, notice your body’s physiological state. Feel your heart beat, your breath go in and out, and even notice the movements of your muscles. Now re-evaluate the situation with the other person. Have you come to some common grounds? Do you feel a sense of peace and, at least a bit, of unity?

We are One

If you go see fireworks this 4th of July, think about all the other viewers as you stare up at the bright-lit sky and feel fireflies swarm around you. Do you think there might be some truth in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 that though many, we are one?

Fireworks and unity in Jesus Christ

Fireworks are an enjoyable source of unity, and so are other activities, including, like I mentioned, contemplation of Jesus Christ. This 4th of July, as you watch those beauty blasts with awe, think about how awesome God our creator is. Not only can we rejoice in fireworks together, but we can also view the mountains, the sunset, the enormous redwood trees, and the hermit crab making its way along the beach. When we do so, we become physiologically more similar to others, becoming united in a real, tangible, and even measurable way. This 4th of July, let’s rejoice in the freedom that we find in Christ who unites us all in One Body.

Progressive Christian

Recreation, Outdoors and Religion

Health, Fitness and Religion

Previous Post

June 3, 2024

“Drink from it, all of you”: Science supports Jesus' words

Next Post

July 11, 2024 Does modern science support the wisdom of St. Benedict?

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Beauty Brain Collective well-being Love Mathematics Meaning Mercy Nature Prayer Psychology Sacraments Science Social Connection Uncategorized Wellness

Select a Month July 2025 May 2025 April 2025 March 2025 January 2025 December 2024 October 2024 September 2024 July 2024 June 2024 May 2024 February 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz