The first words of the Gospel today are so striking, God so loved the world…
In our world the human family is only part of the earthly world. Each earthly creature speaks of God’s imprint on our common home.
Tomorrow is 5th June, the United Nations World Environmental Day. Held annually since 1973, World Environment Day is this year celebrating 50 years since its inception. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), it is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world. In 2023, it is hosted by Côte D’Ivoire.
In recent times I have used this reflection in various contexts. The reflection is a reminder of how the environment can lead us into prayer and into the mystery of Divine.
Praying (by Mary Oliver, Thirst)
It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.
Ronan Barry
