86. The universe as a whole, in all its manifold relationships, shows forth the inexhaustible riches of God. Saint Thomas Aquinas wisely noted that multiplicity and variety “come from the intention of the first agent” who willed that “what was wanting to one in the representation of the divine goodness might be supplied by another”, inasmuch as God’s goodness “could not be represented fittingly by any one creature”. Hence we need to grasp the variety of things in their multiple relationships. We understand better the importance and meaning of each creature if we contemplate it within the entirety of God’s plan. As the Catechism teaches: “God wills the interdependence of creatures. The sun and the moon, the cedar and the little flower, the eagle and the sparrow: the spectacle of their countless diversities and inequalities tells us that no creature is self-sufficient. Creatures exist only in dependence on each other, to complete each other, in the service of each other”.
Reflection: “God’s goodness could not be represented fittingly by any one creature.” “The spectacle of their countless diversities and inequalities tells us that no creature is self-sufficient.” Think about the relationship between all parts of creation where you live, as you take a walk or look out your window. How do you imagine your dependence on what you see – the birds, the stars, the sun, the trees? How do they “complete” you? Journal about your reflections, and discuss this with someone else if possible.
Action: Now read this article about the mighty mosquito, the world’s “deadliest animal,” a creature it’s harder for me to welcome as part of God’s creation! Share these two sources with one other person who might otherwise not consider such a reflection.
Spaces of Hope
And what is a good life? To love God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind, and to love your brother and sister as yourself. So let us love our God, let us love each other in God’s unity; let us have peace in God, charity among ourselves; so that when Christ our Lord comes himself, we can say, "Lord, with your help we have done what you ordered; by your gracious favor, may we receive what you promised." Saint Augustine Sermon 154A, 6
Watch this nine-minute contemplative video of the stunning diversity of God’s creation. Rest in the hope that it provides, both in the images and in the reflective reading of Brother David Steindl-Rast. The School Sisters of Notre Dame have been inspiring hope in others, especially young people, for almost 200 years. How do YOU inspire hope in others? Share this video with others.
Deep faith and high courage urged Mother Theresa to risk already meager resources to satisfy needs wherever she was called. In her spirit we respond to God’s call expressed in our times. Like her, we educate in schools and in other areas of urgent need; like her, we exclude no one from our concern, but are especially sensitive to youth and women and are impelled to prefer the poor. (You Are Sent 24)
Partnership with Haiti
Do you wonder how the turmoil in Haiti is affecting the work of the SSND in our partnership with Beyond Borders? Read this recent letter from David Diggs, Executive Director of Beyond Borders. The AMSSND supports the work of BB on the island of Lagonav. Anne Gibbons, who works closely with Beyond Borders, just returned from a visit to Haiti with BB; in this video (she is introduced at 17:10) she talks about her recent visit and the critical work of BB in Haiti during this time. So many have come and gone in their commitment to Haiti; the SSND support is so important.
Justice for Immigrants
One year after the United States withdrew from Afghanistan, and more than 76,000 refugees came to the US, there is now a bipartisan bill the Afghanistan Adjustment Act 2022, to offer stability to these refugees. Read this compelling story in the NYT magazine about young women who came to the US a year ago, and now find themselves trying to understand their life in US universities. SSND “are especially sensitive to youth and women and are impelled to prefer the poor” (YAS 24)
Dismantling Racism
As another academic year is about to begin, this is an interesting piece from Inside Higher Ed titled: What Every College Graduate Should Know About Slavery: Twenty-three essential facts about slavery and its aftermath. It might be a good discussion starter or a source of both research and reflection for many of us. And if you haven’t yet started to read the book Subversive Habits: Black Catholic Nuns in the Long African American Freedom Struggle by Shannen Dee Williams, you really should get a copy. It is challenging, humbling, and transformative reading. Not easy, but challenging, humbling, and transformative. The Duke University Press link above also has some excellent video links about the book as well.
Climate Change
You do not have to become a vegetarian (a person who does not eat meat and fish) or a vegan (a person who does not eat any food derived from animals) to be more mindful of your meat consumption and cut back. According to one recent study, it would reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 1% if every person in the U.S. cut their meat consumption by 25%. Read more here. And finding new sources of plant-based proteins and meals can be fun and tasty. Some great substitutes for meat as a protein source in meals: tofu (soya), lentils, cheese (dairy), eggs, quinoa, nuts, seeds, fish, beans, chickpeas, and peanut butter. Look here for some recipes next week!
The climate bill (Inflation Reduction Act) isn’t perfect, but it’s still a major victory. Read this NYT opinion piece by Jody Freeman, a professor at Harvard Law to learn more. Also learn more about how the $370 billion Inflation Reduction Act uses incentives rather than “sticks” to counter climate change.
All change begins with one small step. Commit yourself to reading the Laudato Si’ reflection each week. One paragraph at a time you can stop and reflect on what we are all called to as a Laudato Si’ community! Share some of the parts of the newsletter with others who might not otherwise consider these issues.
End Human Trafficking
We must keep protecting our children. The cost is real. Read about Operation Cross Country, an FBI operation that rescued more than 200 trafficking victims, including 84 children, this week. Pray for those trafficked, pray for those in law enforcement, pray for those who perpetrate these horrific acts against other human beings. 84 children is 84 too many.
