Care for Creation (A Franciscan Spirituality of the Earth) by Ilia Delio, O.S.F – Keith Douglas Warner, O.F.M – Pamela Wood
Chapters 1-2
Reflection by Deacon Joey Clavijo, Chair of the Environmental Commission of the Diocese of Louisiana
Have you ever read or heard something for the first time and after further reflection felt as though you had known it all along? Having read chapters 1 & 2 of this book, I’m wondering if you’re having a similar experience, like the authors may be saying to us… “I’m going to remind you of something you already know.”
In chapter one we were reminded of the basic ecological building blocks of life on this planet. We were also provided a new lens for understanding our interdependence upon earth’s ecosystem, while at the same time reminded how we have reshaped our planet through science and technology; sometimes good but often not fully thought out as to the impact and effect of our actions. We depend on the earth but we are hurting it.
We are all drawn to relationships. We want to know that we are loved and accepted, and in return, we want to learn how to be in good relationship with others. Chapter two provided us with an understanding of the God-world relationship and the place humanity stands within God’s good creation. That place is with God in the incarnation, the Word made flesh who dwells among us in creation. Because creation is centered in the incarnation, every leaf, cloud, fruit, animal, and person is an outward expression of the Word of God created in and for love. Creation is our relationship with God in Christ Jesus.
In what new ways do you see yourself connected to the earth and all of creation? What is it like to stand with God in the incarnation in your context?