God is the source of communion and the church is the instrument. The Spirit, infinite bond of love, is intimately present at the very heart of the universe, inspiring and bringing new pathways.
A Christian Prayer in Union with Creation
God, 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.
RESPONSE: Praise be to you!
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 the world with human eyes.
Today you are alive in every creature in your risen glory.
RESPONSE: Praise be to you!
Holy Spirit, by your light you guide this world towards God’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.
RESPONSE: Praise be to you!
Triune God, 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 in every being that you have made. Give us grace to feel profoundly joined to everything.
RESPONSE: Praise be to you!
God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love for all the creatures on 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.
RESPONSE: Praise be to you!
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.
RESPONSE: Praise be to you! Amen.
A reading from the Laudato Si by Pope Francis
The human person grows more, matures more, and is sanctified more, to the extent that he or she enters into relationships, going out from themselves to live in communion with God, with others and with all creatures. In this way, they make their own the Trinitarian dynamism which God imprinted on them when they were created. Everything is interconnected and this invites us to develop a spirituality of that global solidarity which flows from the mystery of that Trinity. (no.240)
Song: For the Beauty of the Earth
Reflection Questions
In what ways are you connected to nature?
Think of someone much different from you. Can you think of some unexpected things you have in common?
Do you have a spiritual practice that connects you to your environment?
What decisions or changes have you made in your life to align your actions for the common good?
“We have to be better, we have to love more and hate less. Listen more and talk less. It is our responsibility to make this world a better place.”
-Megan Rapinoe, American professional soccer player
Song: Canticle of the Sun