You have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom. Gospel Accla. (Mt. 11:25)
Since childhood I have loved nature; as an adult, I tease about seeing "love notes" from God in nature.
Today is the feast day of Hildegard of Bingen, a Benedictine Abbess & Doctor of the Church who lived in the 12th Century. She loved nature & said, "See sun, moon, stars; gaze on the beauty of earth's greening. What delight God gives -- all nature is at the disposal of humankind. We're to work with it, for without it we cannot survive." She was surely a woman ahead of her time. Yes, we're called to protect the earth.
Adam & Eve were told, "Till the garden & keep it." We haven't done so -- now we have Climate Change. The response from humans gives us instead fires, drought, flooding...chemicals poison air/water. We're addicted to 1-use plastic. We need to end our throw-away culture.
Though the Mass readings aren't specific, I see threads weaving them together (maybe it is Hildegard:)
1 Tim. 6 tells us "love of money is the root of all evils"
Ps. 49 says "Blessed the poor in spirit" ie. those who depend on God--who are rich in the Spirit & seek what lasts.
The Gospel Acclamation, Mt. 11:25, says God shares with the "little ones" ie. the humble, simple, open.
Lk. 8 speaks of women who accompanied Jesus.
We are all invited to Live Courageously --Today spend some time in nature. Look for those "love notes"
Think of 1 way you can protect the earth --then Do It!
In our day, Pope Francis in the encyclical, "Laudato Si" says, "creation is a mystery to be contemplated with gladness & praise" Care of the Earth is our solution to a relationship with & action on behalf of the earth.
Creator God, help us to reverence the earth & protect it.
May we see your loving care in the icon that nature is.
Help us share with all others the goods of the earth. Amen.
Today's Reflection is by:
Sister Mary David Hydro
Did you know...
Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB,?is a Benedictine Sister of Florida. A teacher at heart, she feeds "hungers" of God's people through Retreats & Spiritual Direction; she is Oblate Director and has involvements in Peace and Justice ministries.
