I can go starved the whole day long,

draining a stone, eating a husk,

and never hunger till a song

breaks from a robin’s throat at dusk.

 

I am reminded only then

how far from day and human speech,

how far from the loud world of men

lies the bright dream I strain to reach.

 

Oh, that a song of mine could burn

the air with beauty so intense,

sung with a robin’s unconcern

for any mortal audience!

 

Perhaps I shall learn presently

his secret when the shadows stir,

and I shall make one song and be

aware of but one Listener.

 

The lone wild bird in lofty flight

Is still with thee, nor leaves thy sight

And I am thine! I rest in thee

Great Spirit, come and rest in me

The ends of earth are in your hands

The sea's dark deep and far-off lands

And I am thine! I rest in thee

Great Spirit, come and rest in me

Each secret thought is known to you

The path I walk my whole life through

My days, my deeds, my hopes, my fears

My deepest joys, my silent tears

In secret depths, you knit my frame

Before my birth, you spoke my name

Within my soul, as close a breath

So near to me, in life, in death

Oh search me, God, my heart reveal

Renew my life, my spirit heal

For I am thine! I go to thee

Great Spirit, come and rest in me

Great Spirit, come and rest in me

The lone wild bird in lofty flight

Is still with thee nor leaves thy sight

And I am thine! I rest in thee

Great Spirit, come and rest in me

 

 

This is a global social issue and one intimately related to the dignity of human life. The Bishops of the United States have expressed very well this social meaning of our concern about climate change, which goes beyond a merely ecological approach, because “our care for one another and our care for the earth are intimately bound together. Climate change is one of the principal challenges facing society and the global community. The effects of climate change are borne by the most vulnerable people, whether at home or around the world”. In a few words, the Bishops assembled for the Synod for Amazonia said the same thing: “Attacks on nature have consequences for people’s lives”.And to express bluntly that this is no longer a secondary or ideological question, but a drama that harms us all, the African bishops stated that climate change makes manifest “a tragic and striking example of structural sin.”

 

The reflection and information that we can gather from these past eight years allow us to clarify and complete what we were able to state some time ago. For this reason, and because the situation is now even more pressing, I have wished to share these pages with you. (LD 3-4)

 

With your help, O God, we sow seeds upon the earth,

that by your power they may grow and flourish;

in your bounty supply what our labours cannot achieve,

for you alone give increase and growth.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever. Amen. (Roman Missal; ICEL, 1998)