In 1960 a research meteorologist named Edward Lorenz, working on a primitive computer, created a mathematical model of weather and climate conditions; he was hoping to find precise, predictable patterns that would make accurate long- range forecasting possible. One day, to save time, he entered into the computer a rounded off number (.506) instead of the more complete number (.506127), assuming that a difference of less than 1 one-thousandth was of no importance. In fact, it had a major effect: the difference in the weather simulation was equivalent to a hurricane either occurring, or not occurring. Lorenz realized that the slightest change in conditionsโin this particular case, equivalent merely to the puff of wind caused by the flapping of a butterflyโs wingsโcould bring about a set of completely unforeseen circumstances. (In other words, the famous poem that begins โFor the want of a nail, the shoe was lost,โ and ends with the loss of a kingdom, pointed out something later scientifically verified.) Lorenzโs discovery has come to be known as โThe Butterfly Effect.โ
I believe a โButterfly Effectโ can be said to exist in terms of our spiritual lives and our relationships with other people. The slightest good deed or friendly gesture on our part (or the withholding of such an act) can end up having a major impact on someone elseโs lifeโin ways we would never have imagined. Iโve heard of cases in which a kind word by a priest, nun, or Catholic layperson gave a struggling, desperate man or woman new hope and turned out to make a great difference, andย also of cases where an unkind word alienated someone from the Church for lifeโall without the speaker realizing it. We have so many opportunities to do good and to help othersโnot primarily in dramatic situations, but in the simple events and encounters of everyday life. St. Therese of Lisieux realized that spiritual greatness can be achieved by doing simple things with great love, and this is a lesson for all of us to learn and practice.
Butterflies are beautiful creatures, but itโs even more beautiful when we apply โThe Butterfly Effectโ to our everyday lives in a loving and generous way.