Camping, swimming in a lake, boating, hiking, gardening, farming, birding, nighttime star gazing are all part of our “summer “ activities which connect us with nature in all of its beauty and glory. Along with the Bible, all of creation is a “book” that reveals God to us.
Pope Francis, in his recently published pastoral exhortation Laudete Deum, calls us to the drastic measures needed to to address climate change. We are motivated spiritually by realizing that, as human creatures, we are part of the marvelous community of creation. He writes “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.”
-Laudate Deum
Psalm 148 calls us to join all of creation in praising God:
“Praise Gods from the highest heavens, sun and moon, all you shining stars!Praise God from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, you mountains and hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds.”
It is our spiritual connection with all creation that motivates us as individuals and as parish communities to care for all of God ‘s creation.LikeReply