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April 16, 2021
For your prayer and reflection this week:
We are shifting the relationship we have with the earth.
The old paradigm,
based on the spiritual understanding at the time,
was one of domination.
Humans were superior to earth and all God’s creatures,
so were charged with having “dominion” over the earth,
and responsibility for creation.
As human nature goes,
dominion quickly turned into exploitation
for human ends.
Endlessly, we took from Mother Earth
to prop up the needs of human society.
Now, based on a new spiritual paradigm,
our relationship to the earth is starting to shift.
We are moving towards Oneness,
and away from domination;
towards interdependence,
and away from superiority.
Only now are we waking up to Mother Earth
as a living, breathing being.
Having done much harm,
humans are now sowing the consequences.
If spiritual traditions give us anything,
it is hope for a new way forward.
Hope based on the inspired actions of what Margaret Mead calls
a “small group of thoughtful, committed citizens.”
This group may have started out small,
but it is multiplying exponentially.
And it is waking up, not just to eco-justice,
but to the intersectionality of care for the earth
with racial justice and economic inequality.
We are realizing in the repercussions of our human actions,
minority communities that have suffered discrimination for too long
are experiencing the greatest climate consequences.
'Wake up," says the inner, divine voice.
“If you do not see me without,
you will have difficulty finding me within.
I am in the trees, the birds, the seas, the animals.
I am in your neighbors, your acquaintances,
and the complete strangers you have never met
on the other side of the world.
I am Oneness.
Find me everywhere, and live accordingly.”
Friends, with Earth Day soon approaching next week, I look forward to reflecting together Sunday about how care for the earth intersects with our spiritual identity and values. In particular, I wonder: what is your "why" for caring for the earth? What experiences have you had in your life that inspire you to be a good caretaker of our planet and its resources? Do you have "thin places" in nature where you feel deeply connected to the divine?
In May, we are having several events where we welcome your contributions! May 2nd is our annual coffeehouse :) We'd love for you to share your talents with our community virtually in whatever way is easiest, be it recording yourself beforehand or sharing your talents live. We can't wait to see your gifts! Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your contributions or any questions.
On May 16th, we are having a "Self-Care Retreat Service." Many of you remember that through conversations with a number of speakers in 2020, we reflected on the question, "How can we integrate the wisdom of retreats into our services and community life?" Is there something you've experienced during retreats or that you learned about how Agape can be "retreat-like" that you'd like to incorporate May 16th? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and let me know. Depending on the number of contributions we have, we may incorporate these offerings in both our May and June services.
With joy in waking up to new life emerging,
Matt |
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