Justice, Peace, & Care of Earth
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Celebration & Reflection of Earth’s Elements — AIR, WATER, FIRE, EARTH
May 2, 2023
During a month of celebration from EARTH DAY (April 22) to the Anniversary of Laudato Si’ (May 28), we have entered into a month of contemplation on the traditional elements of creation: AIR, WATER, FIRE, EARTH (soil). Join us in reflection on these, the elements. Set aside some time to reflect and be united in […]
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Creation Canticle ~ Bear Heart’s Prayer of Praise, Lamentation, and Hope
April 24, 2023
Bear Heart’s Prayer of Praise, Lamentation, and Hope Majestic Forest, Peace, Tranquility and Beauty Diversity and Oneness; We all belong We call this Mountain our Land, our Home We praise and thank you, Creator God. Timber, Timber, Timber, they shout Profit, Profit, Profit, all is free Greed, Greed, Greed, take all, no one is responsible […]
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Holy Week at the Southern Border: A Holy Encounter
April 20, 2023
In January 2022, I was invited by my friend Bev Abma to join a trip to the Southwest Border to learn more about immigration with an organization called ABARA. Having been to the southwest border as a volunteer with Children’s Disaster Relief, Bev was asked to coordinate the trip by a few members of her […]
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Wild Rice in Michigan
April 19, 2023
If you are like me, you might not know much about the history of wild rice in Michigan. In fact, the more I learned, the more I became intrigued by this history of the Great Lakes region of the United States. I was also moved to consider the ways human influences dramatically affect natural resources […]
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“Go and take your place” — 2nd Wednesday of Easter Homily
April 19, 2023
Megan McElroy OP preached for theWord on April 19, the 2nd Wednesday of Easter, based on the Readings: Acts 5:17-26; John 3:16-21. Her homily follows. You can also listen to the message at https://word.op.org/2023/04/19/29454/. “Go and take your place.” Depending on the context, these words can be demeaning: • Go and take your place… […]
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Creation Canticle ~ Cold Sunshine
April 17, 2023
Cold sunshine Be patient, trust Winds whip chilling arms Where, O where is Spring. Snowdrops White against white Life bursting through crusty covers Yearning for sun’s comfort Primrose Explode; Crimson, yellow, violet Brilliant amidst the melting snow. O Spring! ~ Sister Paula Mierle SJ Creation Canticles: Reflections on the Natural World Pope Francis […]
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Creation Canticle ~ Wisdom of the Ages
April 14, 2023
Wisdom of the Ages Owl in the tree This is what I see. Scared bird – going extinct. Nocturnal prey, I say. Feathers for silent flight Able to see in the night. Hooked beak feeding her young A song of hoots to be sung What if I look in the tree And no owls do […]
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Creation Canticle – Dear Moon
April 11, 2023
Dear Moon, I know you are there every night. Starting in the East and ending in the West. You light up my bedroom and are accompanied by stars. full of beauty and blessings. I stand in my huge window and converse with you, God. I’ve never had such a beautiful gift before. Just for me […]
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Dominican Associates Welcome All to Pray for Peace 8-8-8
April 7, 2023
At 8 o’clock on the 8th day of each month, take 8 minutes to be part of a unified prayer for peace. Choose what works best for you: 8 am or 8 pm, or both. Prepare yourself for a moment of contemplation: shut off the light in your room; light a candle; light incense; step […]
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Creation Canticles – Reflections on the Natural World
April 3, 2023
Introducing the Creation Canticles Pope Francis began the encyclical, “Laudato Si’ On Care for Our Common Home” describing the human relationship with the earth through images from the hymn “Canticle of the Creatures” by St. Francis of Assisi. In this hymn, St. Francis invites all his brother and sister creatures—whether minerals, plants or animals—to praise […]