Thoughts on Earth Day

Yesterday was not only Earth Day, but also the beginning of the Feast of Passover.  Interesting coincidence there, for at Passover, the Jewish people remember God's providence and power over the elements of nature, which allowed them to flee Egypt for the Promised Land.  I think in many ways, it is a wonderful reminder that we should care for all creation, not for nature's own sake, but because Earth is a gift given to us by God.

Indeed, in today's society, there is a growing consensus regarding the need for humanity to take care of Earth.  Unfortunately, many times, this can lead to a wrongly held divinization of nature itself or pantheism, as the pagans of old worshipped.  Even today, echoes of this can be seen in some elements of the new age movement.  Nevertheless, it seems that an instinctive spiritual connectedness to nature is ingrained in us all.  Just think of the many poets and writers over the centuries, who have felt the call of the wild and shared their experiences with us all.  In a higher way, as Catholics, we are called to see the dignity of creation through the hands of our Divine Creator. 

I am reminded of Saint Pope John Paul II's love of the outdoors, Pope Benedict XVI becoming known as the "Green Pope" for his efforts in turning Vatican City State "green," and  Pope Francis' writing, "Laudato Si." (or "Care for Our Common Home")

Since childhood, I have always felt a strong love of the outdoors and wild places.  One can truly feel the presence of God there.  It is His voice and peace that calls to us through the whispering pines, the babbling brooks, and the soaring peaks.  

I encourage us all to take some quiet time in reflection to rest with our Heavenly Father in the glories of His creation.

God love you!