Entries

September 11

Ps 104:19 You made the moon to mark the months;

the sun knows the time for its setting.

20 You spread the darkness, it is night,

and all the beasts of the forest creep forth.

The Great Black Heron (Levertov)

Since I stroll in the woods more often

than on this frequented path, it's usually

trees I observe; but among fellow humans

what I like best is to see an old woman

fishing alone at the end of a jetty,

hours on end, plainly content.

The Russians mushroom-hunting after a rain

trail after themselves a world of red sarafans,

nightingales, samovars, stoves to sleep on

(though without doubt those are not

what they can remember). Vietnamese families

fishing or simply sitting as close as they can

to the water, make me recall that lake in Hanoi

in the amber light, our first, jet-lagged evening,

peace in the war we had come to witness.

This woman engaged in her pleasure evokes

an entire culture, tenacious field-flower

growing itself among the rows of cotton

in red-earth country, under the feet

of mules and masters. I see her

a barefoot child by a muddy river

learning her skill with the pole. What battles

has she survived, what labors?

She's gathered up all the time in the world

—nothing else—and waits for scanty trophies,

complete in herself as a heron.

Meditation

Having said this, I also have a homily that I prepared and will share with you, so please bear with me. A couple of its points will help to carry forward our reflection this morning. We are enjoying this fraternal and peaceful moment in the midst of a world that is in flames, as a result of both global warming and armed conflicts. The message of Pope Francis in his Encyclicals Laudato Si' and Fratelli Tutti continues to be timely. We can imagine ourselves in the Gospel we have just heard, as we reflect on the fear of the disciples amid the tempest, a fear shared by a large part of humanity today. At the same time, in the heart of this Jubilee Year, we believe and say over and over again: there is hope! We have encountered that hope in Jesus. He calms the storm. His power does not break down, but builds up. It does not destroy, but calls into being and bestows new life. We too should be asking ourselves: “What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?” (Mt 8:27). The amazement expressed in this question is the first step towards freedom from fear. Jesus lived and prayed around the Sea of Galilee. That is where he called his first disciples in the setting of their daily lives and work. The parables with which he proclaimed the Kingdom of God reveal his deep connection with that land and those waters, with the rhythm of the seasons and with the life of creatures. (Pope Leo XIV)

Musical Selection (Doxecology)

Let all creation sing before the Lord
and every nation of the earth rejoice,
let all the trees lift a shout of joy
for the Lord is King.
Let the deep waters of the sea resound,
let every mountain, every hill sing out,
let all the fields make a joyful sound
for the Lord is King.

Mighty river, barren desert,
howling wind and stormy weather,
every canyon every valley,
sing your praise and give him glory.

Nature proclaims the glory of our God,
nature proclaims his name.

Every star and constellation,
every wonder in the heavens,
silver moon and supernova,
sing a shining hallelujah!

Nature proclaims the glory of our God,
nature proclaims his name.

Honey bees and weeping willows,
grizzly bears and armadillos,
every narwhal and sea otter,
every son and every daughter.

Nature proclaims the glory of our God,
nature proclaims his name.

La la la la la la la - All the earth, praise the Lord
La la la la la la la - All the earth, praise the Lord

Prayer

Loving God, Creator of all,

we thank you for the beauty of Creation;

show us, we pray, how to respect

the fragile balance of life.

Guide by your wisdom those who have power

to care for or to destroy the environment,

that by the decisions we make, life may be cherished

and a good and fruitful earth be preserved for future

generations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (ECUSA)

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