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This year's Season of Creation is guided by poets, beginning with the inspired poetry in the Book of Psalms. Cistercian monk Thomas Merton (+1968) and Carmelite nun Jessica Powers (+1988) —known in religion as Sr. Miriam of the Holy Spirit — alternate in providing verse inspired by their close attention and prayerful contemplation of nature. Monastics are by profession in tune with the seasons as they interface with the liturgical year while monastic enclosures are designed to keep their residents close to the beauty and richness of their natural surroundings. In addition to the poems, scenes from nature, music, and prayer from several traditions round out each day's offering as we seek to celebrate and protect "our common home." Also included are passages from Pope Francis' exhortation "Laudate Deum" which is a follow-up to his encyclical on the ecological crisis "Laudato si'." It was issued on October 4, 2023, Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, at the conclusion of last year's Season of Creation.

Day 1

Psalm 147 (15-17)

God sends out his word to the earth

and swiftly runs his command.

He showers down snow white as wool,

he scatters hoar-frost like ashes.

He hurls down hailstones like crumbs.

The waters are frozen at his touch;

he sends forth his word and it melts them:

at the breath of his mouth the waters flow.

Love Winter When the Plant Says Nothing (Thomas Merton)

O little forests, meekly
Touch the snow with low branches!
O covered stones
Hide the house of growth!

Secret
Vegetal words,
Unlettered water,
Daily zero.

Pray undistracted
Curled tree
Carved in steel—
Buried zenith!

Fire, turn inward
To your weak fort,
To a burly infant spot,
A house of nothing.

O peace, bless this mad place:
Silence, love this growth.

O silence, golden zero
Unsetting sun

Love winter when the plant says nothing.

Musical Selection (Christina Gammeloft)

Cold winter days

Frosty winds on my face

I’ve longed for a quiet place

On these lonely days

I’m dreaming away

I fly on December winds

To find The cold heart I left

Behind, behind, behind

Cold winter winds

Sing me your winter hymns

Of old and forgotten things

December sun

Carry me home Carry me home

My friend my friend

Dead and reborn

Again, again, again

Snow is falling

Right above me

And I’m born again And

I feel it Feel it coming

We can make a change

Meditation

“Praise God for all his creatures”. This was the message that Saint Francis of Assisi proclaimed by his life, his canticles and all his actions. In this way, he accepted the invitation of the biblical Psalms and reflected the sensitivity of Jesus before the creatures of his Father: “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these” (Mt 6:28-29). “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight” (Lk 12:6). How can we not admire this tenderness of Jesus for all the beings that accompany us along the way!

Eight years have passed since I published the Encyclical Letter Laudato si', when I wanted to share with all of you, my brothers and sisters of our suffering planet, my heartfelt concerns about the care of our common home. Yet, with the passage of time, I have realized that our responses have not been adequate, while the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point. In addition to this possibility, it is indubitable that the impact of climate change will increasingly prejudice the lives and families of many persons. We will feel its effects in the areas of healthcare, sources of employment, access to resources, housing, forced migrations, etc. (LD 1-2)

Prayer

Lord:
In the midst of Winter, when the days are cold and wind can pierce remind us of the warmth of your love.
In the midst of Winter, when days are short, dawn comes late, and dusk arrives early remind us that in the darkness your light still shines.
In the midst of Winter, when the flowers of spring still lie hidden in the earth, when leaves are off the trees, and the world can seem bleak
remind us that Easter is but a short time away.
And when in our lives we feel as if we are experiencing a season of winter, reach out to us with the power of your resurrection so that we may feel the warmth of your love and see your light that alone can take away the darkness of our soul. - Cal Wick

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