(Compassionate God), you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures...Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey toward your infinite light. ~ Pope Francis, Laudato Si
When humans and nature are in sync with one another, amazing things happen. When they are out of touch or imbalanced, disastrous things occur.
Compassion includes all of life. Humans are not the only receptors of our empathy. We owe our kindness to each and every part of what makes up our environment... there exists nothing that is unworthy of the touch of our compassionate, protective care, become more aware of the growing need to have empathy for the suffering inflicted on Earth by human consumption, indifference, and greed.
Each piece of creation intertwines. The suffering of one part touches all other parts. Poet Mary Oliver reminds us: “ I would say that there exist a thousand unbreakable links between each of us and everything else, and that our dignity and our chances are one. The farthest star and the mud at our feet are a family; and there is no decency or sense in honoring one thing, or a few things, and then closing the list. The pine tree, the leopard, the Platte River, and ourselves- we are at risk together, or we are on our way to a sustainable world together. We are each other’s destiny.”
Caring for Earth takes courage and requires conviction. “The most important thing we can do is remember that every single day one of us makes a difference. And we can all choose the kind of difference we’re going to make.” ( Jane Goodall)
Reflection:
As you look back over your lived week, what particular moments or situations awakened you both to the beauty and the wounds of our planet?
What is one deliberate action you will take to assist in maintaining the health of and healing the wounds of our planet?
When humans and nature are in sync with one another, amazing things happen. When they are out of touch or imbalanced, disastrous things occur.
Compassion includes all of life. Humans are not the only receptors of our empathy. We owe our kindness to each and every part of what makes up our environment... there exists nothing that is unworthy of the touch of our compassionate, protective care, become more aware of the growing need to have empathy for the suffering inflicted on Earth by human consumption, indifference, and greed.
Each piece of creation intertwines. The suffering of one part touches all other parts. Poet Mary Oliver reminds us: “ I would say that there exist a thousand unbreakable links between each of us and everything else, and that our dignity and our chances are one. The farthest star and the mud at our feet are a family; and there is no decency or sense in honoring one thing, or a few things, and then closing the list. The pine tree, the leopard, the Platte River, and ourselves- we are at risk together, or we are on our way to a sustainable world together. We are each other’s destiny.”
Caring for Earth takes courage and requires conviction. “The most important thing we can do is remember that every single day one of us makes a difference. And we can all choose the kind of difference we’re going to make.” ( Jane Goodall)
Reflection:
As you look back over your lived week, what particular moments or situations awakened you both to the beauty and the wounds of our planet?
What is one deliberate action you will take to assist in maintaining the health of and healing the wounds of our planet?