What vision do you hold in your heart for a better world? For inspiration, Pope Francis looks to Francis of Assisi who saw the world and everything in it, the sun, moon, all the creatures, the elements of the earth, and all people as one family.

In Laudato Si' he writes, “In Saint Francis' vision, creation appears as a "magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants us a glimpse of his infinite beauty and goodness." (par. 12).

Can we embrace a new vision, one that is united in a belief that health is a human right?  Health in mind, body and spirit? As we recognize the interconnectedness of all life, let us care for our people and our earth.

Beyond political motivation for power in a fear-based world, people of good will are working to create health globally through collaborative partnerships regardless of national boundaries. Dr. Tetsu Nakamura is one such person. He left his home in Japan in the 1980s to treat leprosy patients in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Overtime he began to see how a severe drought was claiming more lives than he could save through clinic care.

Dr. Makumara's view of health expanded beyond the clinic to the wider community. His passion to help heal, sparked creativity and innovative thought. In the 2000s, he adapted ancient Japanese irrigation techniques that required little technology, and helped the villagers displaced by drought to build a network of canals that has transformed an area of nearly a million residents.

“A doctor treats patients one by one, but this helps a whole village,” Dr. Nakamura had said. “I love seeing a village that’s been brought back to life.”

New Life

This spring, many of us began planting gardens. There is something healing in the tending of the earth. We are all called to help tend to our world, while cultivating and nurturing human dignity.

Something deep within responds to nature in a way that doesn't happen when we are surrounded by four walls indoors and artificial lighting. It can be difficult to integrate nature into our workday – but not impossible.

Take time to go outdoors for a breath of fresh air. Consider how you might be able to bring nature closer to your daily experience and that of others. There's far more at stake, as you're helping to cultivate a space more begetting of human dignity. 

Pope Frances shares, “All of us can cooperate as instruments of God/Love for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvement and talents.”

In Remembrance

In remembrance of all the lives lost in 9/11 and the ripple effect of thousands of lives lost globally, we pray,

The One Universal Creator of all, our Divine Mother and Father

 In Your blessings we find true and lasting comfort and peace

Grant healing and solace to our wounded hearts

Grant us strength to bear the loss of loved ones and to live in Your Will

Grant us resilience in the face of hate, and the courage to face it with dignity

May we all unite and share one another's pain and tears

May the hatred in the world melt away in Your boundless and everlasting love

And living in Your Will, may all find peace, harmony and serenity.

Amen

                                                                                                                        By Dr. Satpal Singh

Liz Sorensen Wessel
St Francis watercolor by ~liz