Chapter Nine: Spiritual Grounding

Here is the link to the Vatican Document; Laudato Si
http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html

Again, each of these classes are filled with many things, lots of words and images. Please don’t feel that you have to do everything. If something speaks to you, follow your heart. If not, simply let it go.
 

The title of Chapter Six is: “ECOLOGICAL EDUCATION AND SPIRITUALITY” and this is part two.

(part 1: #202 to 215/ part ll: #216-245)

…………………..
We are in the last chapter of the Papal Encyclical. For your information, I read that this is also the longest papal encyclical, while at the same time it is the easiest to read. Imagine that!!!! The key is to read these documents not as books, but as meditations taking a little at a time.
The Subtitles of the Chapters point us in the direction of Action and Hope.
A NEW LIFESTYLE 203-208
EDUCATING FOR THE COVENANT BETWEEN HUMA JOY AND PEACE JOY AND PEACE NITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT 209-215
ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION 216-221
JOY AND PEACE 222-227
CIVIC AND POLITICAL LOVE 228-232
SACRAMENTAL SIGNS AND THE CELEBRATION OF REST 233-237
THE TRINITY AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CREATURES 238-240
QUEEN OF ALL CREATION 241-243
BEYOND THE SUN  243-245

ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION 216-221
As we have seen throughout this document, Francis is calling us to a change of heart. To respond to the need before us out of love and mutual dignity. For fear does not ultimately bring about a change, yet Love Does!

So, Francis starts out here and says to you and me; “I would like to offer Christians a few suggestions for an ecological spirituality grounded in the convictions of our faith.” (LSi, #216) Grounded in the convictions of our faith. This is important; for “some” have said that the church ought not be speaking out on behalf of the environment and science, on behalf of racism and injustice, on behalf of economic disparity and health care. That faith is a private matter, “it between me and God”. This is a part of the American spirit of independence coming through, yet it is not the Gospel. Jesus confronted both religious and civic structure. (The Romans were not “pleased” with his turning over the tables in the Temple and then having a Parade; entering into the city with people saying that he is the King and Liberator of his people.) Gospel is communal, and it is “salvific”; which means leading to wholeness and health with one another and “with all that surrounds us”. For Heaven is not some place on Goggle Maps, yet a state of the heart that is real, deep and eternal.

I will print up the entirety of paragraph 217 for it clear that part of being a disciple of Jesus is caring for the gifts of Creation that have been given to us to care of and steward.
“The external deserts in the world are growing, because the internal deserts have become so vast”. For this reason, the ecological crisis is also a summons to profound interior conversion.  It must be said that some committed and prayerful Christians, with the excuse of realism and pragmatism, tend to ridicule expressions of concern for the environment.  Others are passive; they choose not to change their habits and thus become inconsistent.  So, what they all need is an “ecological conversion”, whereby the effects of their encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in their relationship with the world around them.  Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience.” (LSi, #217)

As I read, ponder and prayer with this: I am emboldened and passionate and charged to share this document with you. Not doing so would not be me.

Here is a YouTube piece of music from Jan Navontka who writes and sings “Eco-Spiritual” music that I have listened to for over ten years. It is gentle and touches the heart. Enjoy.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=jan+novotka+youtube&docid=608007806520198743&mid=E42A3B894D42F901A4D2E42A3B894D42F901A4D2&view=detail&FORM=VIRE
 
In paragraph 218, we called to look with in. To examine our conscious, our state of being. To “recognition of our errors, sins, faults and failures, and leads to heartfelt repentance and desire to change.”
The Australian Bishops spoke of the importance of such conversion for achieving reconciliation with creation: “To achieve such reconciliation, we must examine our lives and acknowledge the ways in which we have harmed God’s creation through our actions and our failure to act.  We need to experience a conversion or change of heart”.

As Catholics, we know these words and they are often spoken of during Lent or as we gather as a parish for the Sacrament of Reconciliation/God Mercy-Loving Kindness. So how do we reflect upon the day and ask ourselves; how we have care for creation and cared for one another and ourselves? Once again, this is not a laundry list of sins (we know that all too well), but a way of being, a stance that directs us to wholeness and deeper relationship. Here is a link which has more insights, yet I will share the text, the steps to take.

https://www.scearthconnection.org/ecological-examination-conscience/
An Ecological Examination of Conscience

• Pray for the gift of wisdom.
• Pray that your eyes may be opened to all that you saw in your environment today.
• Simply rest in God’s presence.

Thanksgiving and Gratitude

• What are you thankful for in creation today?
• How did you show your appreciation for nature today?

Reflect on the Day

• What in nature reflected the beauty and blessing of God’s image for you today?
• Where were you most aware of God’s gifts in creation today?
• Did you stop during the day to look at the beauty around you?

Where Are Improvements Needed?

• How many times did you walk from one place to another and not even notice evidence of God’s gifts?
• What can you do each day to remind yourself to stop and breathe in and out slowly reminding yourself of God’s presence?

Look Forward to Tomorrow

• What gift do you seek for tomorrow?
• What commitment are you willing to make?
• Pray for the gift to be open to all that creation has to offer you.

Sit with this a while, print out just this, and put it in your bible, journal or where you pray and sit; so that you can refer to in the future.

I am writing in the midst of a pandemic (Covit-19) and national cry for justice as we have seen the death of George Floyd by a public servant, who is supposed protect life not stifle it. The systemic racism that is part of our country’s “original sin” is before us once again as is the original sin of “taking from First Nations Peoples and dominating the land”. Laudato Si in paragraph 219 says, we are called as a community to respond, “Social problems must be addressed by community networks and not simply by the sum of individual good deeds.” This is true; by us we are small voice, yet when together a mighty roar.

The challenge for us is How do we respond? At first, I/we may strike out in anger and pain. Yet what does faith, mindfulness speak to us of?

Again, if we respond out of anger and fear suffering comes forth. “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”. — Yoda. We are called to respond to Love, Life, Beauty and Gratitude.

A “loving awareness that we are not disconnected from the rest of creatures but joined in a splendid universal communion.” (LSi, #219) When we are able to see this communion; that George Floyd and those deprived of life, liberty and the pursuit of Happiness (including the environment) as sisters and brothers, then things will change.
“As believers, we do not look at the world from without but from within, conscious of the bonds with which the Father has linked us with all beings.” 

This what Pope Francis means by Education!
As I read the next paragraph I am struck by this line. For it is to me the definition of the “Cosmic Christ”. I know this may be new image for you, it may seem way out there, yet these are the words and inspirations of Fr.  Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J. who a paleontologist and geologist during the first half of the 20th century. Let’s just take this phrase by phrase and ponder each line.
 

• that each creature reflects something of God
• and has a message to convey to us,
• and the security that Christ has taken unto himself (this means the Incarnation-that the Word of God took on Flesh/embraces creation) this material world and now,
• risen, is intimately present to each being, surrounding it with his affection and penetrating it with his light. (So as Christ was raised up, so to all of Creation is raised up in his Resurrection and Christ is present to all and embraces all))

Then too, there is the recognition that God created the world, writing into it an order and a dynamism that human beings have no right to ignore. (In short; don’t mess with “Mother Nature”)

JOY AND PEACE (222-227)
 
These six paragraphs tell us what we already know deep in our hearts. As I read them again, I say; “yes, yes, yes”. The challenge is to not only say, “yes, yes, yes” but to live, “YES, YES, YES!”

“We need to take up an ancient lesson, found in different religious traditions and also in the Bible.  In the major religions we see the conviction that “less is more”.
I personally find in the writings and life of Buddhist Monk “Thich Nhat Hanh” to be powerful and they call me to live mindfully with Gratitude. https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/
The writings and insights of Benedictine Monk David Steindl-Rast, OSB and his website gives us a simple thought of the day calling us to be mindful.
https://gratefulness.org/brother-david/about-brother-david/
Ramakrishna of India in the 19 ^th century India spoke to seekers of God in all places and times and that no one has a monopoly on God-Revelation. https://ramakrishna.org/ramakrishna.html

“simplicity which allows us to stop and appreciate the small things” (LSi, #222)
As Francis calls us to “live simply so others can simply live” also calls us to appreciate traditions and the gift of the ancestors through dance, “music and art, in contact with nature, in prayer”.
“Happiness means knowing how to limit some needs which only diminish us and being open to the many different possibilities which life can offer.” (LSi, #223)

And in the last paragraph on this topic of “Joy and Peace”, Francis calls us to the simple gift of Thanking God for our Daily Bread. (LSi, #227)
“One expression of this attitude is when we stop and give thanks to God before and after meals.  I ask all believers to return to this beautiful and meaningful custom.  That moment of blessing, however brief, reminds us of our dependence on God for life; it strengthens our feeling of gratitude for the gifts of creation; it acknowledges those who by their labors provide us with these goods; and it reaffirms our solidarity with those in greatest need.

How about concluding this portion of Laudato Si with this classic Shaker inspired song by Aaron Copland.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube%2c+song%2c+a+gift+to+be+simple&&view=detail&mid=4A6DDCDDBEDEA48152314A6DDCDDBEDEA4815231&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dyoutube%252c%2Bsong%252c%2Ba%2Bgift%2Bto%2Bbe%2Bsimple%26FORM%3DVDRESM

CIVIC AND POLITICAL LOVE 228-232
What does this mean? It means community!
“Care for nature is part of a lifestyle which includes the capacity for living together and communion.  Jesus reminded us that we have God as our common Father and that this makes us brothers and sisters.” (LSi, #228)
As I look at this document, for me it is Common Sense. And as we have seen, “we” have been sold a bill of sales saying; “buy more, be happy”!

“We must regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world, and that being good and decent are worth it.” This is “rocket science”, we know through experience a kind word of affirmation, a gesture of respect goes along way. At this time of “Stay in Place” due to Covit-19, I have for the most part found people in the stores more patient and respectful of space.

We also know the opposite reality “When the foundations of social life are corroded, what ensues are battles over conflicting interests, new forms of violence and brutality, and obstacles to the growth of a genuine culture of care for the environment.” (LSi, #229) “In the end, a world of exacerbated consumption is at the same time a world which mistreats life in all its forms.” (LSi, #230) 
  
Francis refers to “Saint Therese of Lisieux who invites us to practice, the little way of love, not to miss out on a kind word, a smile or any small gesture which sows peace and friendship and….break with the logic of violence, exploitation and selfishness.”  (LSi, # 230)

Here is a YouTube about St. Therese of Lisieux done through Art and her words. Sit back and in the spirit of contemplation and awe take this in.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=St.+Therese+of+Lisieux+for+Kids&&view=detail&mid=2A2B6D9E16546397AE2E2A2B6D9E16546397AE2E&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DSt.%2BTherese%2Bof%2BLisieux%2Bfor%2BKids%26FORM%3DVDMHRS

“Love, overflowing with small gestures of mutual care, is also civic and political, and it makes itself felt in every action that seeks to build a better world. Love for society and commitment to the common good are outstanding expressions of a charity.” (LSi, #231) Let’s think about those small gestures of care that we have shared just today.

SACRAMENTAL SIGNS AND THE CELEBRATION OF REST (233-237)
This portion of the text will speak directly to Catholics. Whereas most of the text is easily able to be understood by those of different faith expressions and people of good will.

“The universe unfolds in God, who fills it completely.  Hence, there is a mystical meaning to be found in a leaf, in a mountain trail, in a dewdrop, in a poor person’s face.” Earth Charter, The Hague (29 June 2000). (LSi, # 233)
Maybe the next time you find yourself outside and able to “Just BE”, pick up a leaf, a rock etc. See, feel and sense what happens-be mindful of your breathe.

“the mystic experiences the intimate connection between God and all beings, and thus feels that “all things are God”. Pope John Paul ll Message for the 1990 World Day of Peace, 14: AAS 82 (1990), 155. Let’s be clear, we are not saying; things are gods! Yet God’s Spirit is in all things and that being the case, it calls us to profound reverence, awe and respect.
From the Hindu tradition they speak of “God is the inner Self of all, hidden like a little flame in the heart” (Shvetashvatana Upanashad, lll:13)

In paragraph 235 Francis talks of the sacraments. The key is to realize that the sacraments use natures gifts to make know God’s presence. “Encountering God does not mean fleeing from this world or turning our back on nature.” 
“Through our worship of God, we are invited to embrace the world on a different plane.  Water, oil, fire and colours are taken up in all their symbolic power and incorporated in our act of praise.  The hand that blesses is an instrument of God’s love and a reflection of the closeness of Jesus Christ, who came to accompany us on the journey of life.  Water poured over the body of a child in Baptism is a sign of new life.” This very much our Catholic Experience” We don’t run from the world; we embrace it and through love bring about healing and forgiveness.

Paragraph 236 speaks about the Eucharist. It is a powerful paragraph that expands my mind and heart to the horizons. Let me share with you phrases, sit with them and allow them to do their magic. (expanding the heart!!!)
 

• It is in the Eucharist that all that has been created finds its greatest exaltation.
• He comes not from above, but from within (wow, ponder that), he comes that we might find him in this world of ours. 
• In the Eucharist, fullness is already achieved; it is the living centre of the universe, the overflowing core of love and of inexhaustible life. 
• Indeed, the Eucharist is itself an act of cosmic love: “Yes, cosmic!  Because even when it is celebrated on the humble altar of a country church, the Eucharist is always in some way celebrated on the altar of the world”. Encyclical Letter, John Paul ll, Ecclesia de Eucharistia (17 April 2003), 8: AAS 95 (2003), 438.
• The Eucharist joins heaven and earth; it embraces and penetrates all creation. 
• The world which came forth from God’s hands returns to him in blessed and undivided adoration: in the bread of the Eucharist, “creation is projected (headed) towards divinization (becoming divine), towards the holy wedding feast, towards unification with the Creator himself”.   This may be a bit too much theological language, yet what it says to me is; all came from God and all will return in a Glorified way.

 

• Thus, the Eucharist is also a source of light and motivation for our concerns for the environment, directing us to be stewards of all creation.

 
Paragraph 237 speak of Sunday, being the Sabbath/the day of Rest and “is meant to be a day which heals our relationships, with God, with ourselves, with others and with the world.”  Francis also tells us that Sunday a pledge and foretaste of “the final transfiguration of all created reality.
This last line of this portion of the text speaks of social/civic care for other; “Rest opens our eyes to the larger picture and gives us renewed sensitivity to the rights of others.  And so, the day of rest, centred on the Eucharist, sheds it light on the whole week, and motivates us to greater concern for nature and the poor.

THE TRINITY AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CREATURES (238-240)
These paragraphs are heavy with words. Yet in truth, how do we talk of the Trinity? Through lots of words. Yet instead of words, maybe we need to see the Trinity as “Blueprint” for all creation. Everything reflects relationship within God; “the world, created according to the divine model, is a web of relationships.” (LSi, #238)
This speaks to me, Relationships!
As all “tend toward God”, we then are also called to “tend towards other things.” Remember; All are interconnected! And doesn’t it seem the case that as humans mature and are “sanctified”, to the extent that they enter into relationships- “getting out of themselves”, they live is greater communion with “ God, with others and with all creatures”
“Everything is interconnected, and this invites us to develop a spirituality of that global solidarity which flows from the mystery of the Trinity. (LSi, #240)

And so, as we have spoken of and celebrated relationship in God and with all creation here is a youtube by; Murakaru Sikusi Parish, Diocese of Bungoma Kenya Holy Trinity Chior. It is all about relationship and times of celebrations for we are One Body in Christ!

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=songs+about+the+trinity%2c+youtube&&view=detail&mid=C140EA2D2F7EE5F3F192C140EA2D2F7EE5F3F192&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dsongs%2Babout%2Bthe%2Btrinity%252c%2Byoutube%26FORM%3DVDRESM

QUEEN OF ALL CREATION (241-242)

The Church has a tradition of having the last chapter of document dedicated to Mary. Here in paragraph 241 we read:
“Mary, the Mother who cared for Jesus, now cares with maternal affection and pain for this wounded world.  Just as her transfixed heart mourned the death of Jesus, so now she grieves for the sufferings of the crucified poor and for the creatures of this world laid waste by human power.”

In this song we unite Mary’s Yes to God to our yes; to care for the voiceless, the poor, exiles, homeless and for the life of the planet.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=jan+novotka+youtube&docid=608009339864810497&mid=1A2E06AFF7CBC0CA75C71A2E06AFF7CBC0CA75C7&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

And in the following paragraph Francis give due respect for St. Joseph for “He too can teach us how to show care; he can inspire us to work with generosity and tenderness in protecting this world which God has entrusted to us.” (LSi, #242)

BEYOND THE SUN 243-245
These last few paragraphs are more like a prayer leading us on, encouraging us with divine presence.

“At the end, we will find ourselves face to face with the infinite beauty of God” (cf. 1 Cor 13:12, Jesus says: “I make all things new” (Rev 21:5).  (LSi, #243) This image of face to face with the beauty of God has already begun when we are able to look at a leaf, a baby smiling and “To love another person is to see the face of God.” (Victor Hugo)
I have to share this video clip from the movie Les Miserable which for me is one the most powerful moments and the truest statements.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=to+love+another+person+is+to+see+the+face+of+god%2c+les+mis&&view=detail&mid=B6FDDDCAA096E3D8C62AB6FDDDCAA096E3D8C62A&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dto%2Blove%2Banother%2Bperson%2Bis%2Bto%2Bsee%2Bthe%2Bface%2Bof%2Bgod%252c%2Bles%2Bmis%26FORM%3DVDRESM

In the meantime, we come together to take charge of this home which has been entrusted to us……Let us sing as we go.  May our struggles and our concern for this planet never take away the joy of our hope.
And know “in the heart of this world, the Lord of life, who loves us so much, is always present.  He does not abandon us, he does not leave us alone, for he has united himself definitively to our earth, and his love constantly impels us to find new ways forward.  Praise be to him!” (LSi, #245)

Pope Francis close out the encyclical with two prayers.
 

“A prayer for our earth”

 
All-powerful God,
you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. 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 towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.

 

“A Christian prayer in union with creation”

 
Father, we praise you with all your creatures.  They came forth from your all-powerful hand; they are yours, filled with your presence and your tender love.
Praise be to you!
 
Son of God, Jesus, through you all things were made.
You were formed in the womb of Mary our Mother, you became part of this earth, and you gazed upon this world with human eyes. Today you are alive in every creature in your risen glory.
Praise be to you!
 
Holy Spirit, by your light you guide this world towards the Father’s love and accompany creation as it groans in travail.
You also dwell in our hearts And you inspire us to do what is good.
Praise be to you!
 
Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love, teach us to contemplate you in the beauty of the universe, for all things speak of you. Awaken our praise and thankfulness for every being that you have made.  Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined to everything that is.
 
God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love for all the creatures of this earth, for not one of them is forgotten in your sight. Enlighten those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live.
The poor and the earth are crying out. O Lord, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your Kingdom of justice, peace, love, and beauty.
Praise be to you!
Amen.