“The universe as a whole, in all its manifold relationships, shows forth the inexhaustible riches of God. … Everything is connected.” (Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, 86, 91)

Earth day, April 22 and every day,  provides us an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of creation and increase our awareness of our need to awaken. The signs that Mother Earth is in grave distress cannot be ignored. She needs our attention and intentional healing. 

We are not separate; we have lost sight of the intricate connections that exist between us and all manifestations of life.

“This landscape is a living, breathing part of me. I consider it something to protect, like I would my own body.” (Taylor Lee Kirkland, “Mountain Memories: Interview with Judy Bond”)

Good and Gracious God,

Source of all Life,

all creation is charged with your Divine Energy.

Ignite your Spark within us,

that we may know ourselves as truly human and holy,

irrevocably part of the Web of Life.

All creation

– each star and every flower,

– each drop of water and every person,

– each and every atom, down to its very electrons,

explodes with the revelation of your Sacred Mystery.

Our minds alone cannot fathom such splendor.

Our hearts can only respond in awe, praise and gratitude.

Forgive us we pray, our ignorance and insecurities which

– blind us to your Thumbprint writ large,

– deafen us to the sacred space between two heartbeats,

– prompt us in arrogance to demand and dominate,

– numb us to the destruction we’ve caused,

– hold us hostage to “either-or” thinking and living.

May we always walk gently upon this earth, in right relationship,

– nurtured by your Love,

– taking only what we need,

– giving back to the earth in gratitude,

– sharing what we have,

– honoring all with reverence,

– reconciling and healing,

– mindful of those who will come after,

– recognizing our proper place as part of, not apart from, your creation.

Grant us the strength and courage, we pray,

for such radical transformation into your kingdom.

Then we, too, with the very stones will shout, “HOSANNA”

By Michelle Balek, OSF “.

..Social love moves us to devise larger strategies to halt environmental degradation and to encourage a “culture of care” which permeates all of society”.  — Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ (231)

Every gesture, no matter how small can have a positive impact. What is one action you and I can initiate this week? Let’s share ideas so that we can inspire and encourage each other.

Contributed by Liz Sorensen Wessel

Mandala my ~liz