October 4, 2009: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mom alpaca nuzzles her newly born cria (baby) born Sept. 23 at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence.

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him.” God formed out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air; and God brought them to the man to see what he would call them; whatever the man called each of them would be its name. The man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of the air, and all the wild animals; but none proved to be the suitable partner for the man. (Genesis 2:18-20)

This familiar creation story from the Book of Genesis is one we could tell ourselves. This particular part speaks of the creation of living beings, and ends with the story of the creation of Adam’s partner Eve.

Though this reading was not chosen with St. Francis of Assisi in mind, it’s appropriate that we read it today on his feast. Yesterday was the feast day of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. Both Saint Mother Theodore and St. Francis loved God’s creation very much. We can learn from both of them about reverence for our earth.

Action:

What can you do to show greater respect for our earth?
There are many organizations inviting us to just that. If you are able to visit the While Violet Center at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods you would have a fine opportunity to learn more about the care of earth. Visit Environment to learn more about the efforts at the WVC. While you’re at it, check out Saint Mother Theodore and learn more about the foundress of the Sisters of Providence.