If the simple fact of being human moves people
to care for the environment of which they are a
part, Christians in their turn realize that their
responsibility within creation, and their duty to-
wards nature and the Creator, are an essential
part of their faith –Pope John Paul II, Laudato Si’ #64
SIMPLE ADVENT
When this is printed it will already be the third Sunday of Advent. Here’s an idea for spending the final two weeks of Advent caring for creation.
SLOW DOWN -- BE PRESENT -- SEEK THE SIMPLE ABUNDANT LIFE
What do these practices have to do with Advent? Or with Care for Creation?
I think we can all agree that the weeks of Advent, between Thanksgiving and Christmas can be some of the busiest and most stressful. I know my response to self-imposed pressure to “get it all done” can result in snap decisions and choices just to ‘check something off’ and move on down the list. This attitude can result in behaviors that dishonor people and the earth and can lead to selfishness, waste, pollution, and disregard for sustainability. When I fall into this mindset, I’m putting society’s cultural demands above living mindfully in the world. However, there is a different choice…
Do one thing slowly today – watch the sunrise with your morning coffee (instead of the news/traffic/weather), take a walk listening for birds (instead of plugged into the phone), don’t multitask, don’t rush, be in the moment and see how you feel.
The Simple Advent practice offered by NCR’s Earthbeat is a guide to this approach. It suggests simple practical ways that show the connections between spiritual preparation and caring for our common home. Sign up to receive a short reflection and action suggestion via email.
Search: Simple Advent Revisited
Or, go to:
https://mailchi.mp/ncronline.org/earthbeat-reflections-advent
As we anticipate celebrating the mystery of God becoming one like us, how better to prepare than to pay attention to those I encounter each day, whether a tree, a bee or a neighbor; how better than to care for the earth, where God chose to join us and live in and among God’s own creation.
What is your one thing?
to care for the environment of which they are a
part, Christians in their turn realize that their
responsibility within creation, and their duty to-
wards nature and the Creator, are an essential
part of their faith –Pope John Paul II, Laudato Si’ #64
SIMPLE ADVENT
When this is printed it will already be the third Sunday of Advent. Here’s an idea for spending the final two weeks of Advent caring for creation.
SLOW DOWN -- BE PRESENT -- SEEK THE SIMPLE ABUNDANT LIFE
What do these practices have to do with Advent? Or with Care for Creation?
I think we can all agree that the weeks of Advent, between Thanksgiving and Christmas can be some of the busiest and most stressful. I know my response to self-imposed pressure to “get it all done” can result in snap decisions and choices just to ‘check something off’ and move on down the list. This attitude can result in behaviors that dishonor people and the earth and can lead to selfishness, waste, pollution, and disregard for sustainability. When I fall into this mindset, I’m putting society’s cultural demands above living mindfully in the world. However, there is a different choice…
Do one thing slowly today – watch the sunrise with your morning coffee (instead of the news/traffic/weather), take a walk listening for birds (instead of plugged into the phone), don’t multitask, don’t rush, be in the moment and see how you feel.
The Simple Advent practice offered by NCR’s Earthbeat is a guide to this approach. It suggests simple practical ways that show the connections between spiritual preparation and caring for our common home. Sign up to receive a short reflection and action suggestion via email.
Search: Simple Advent Revisited
Or, go to:
https://mailchi.mp/ncronline.org/earthbeat-reflections-advent
As we anticipate celebrating the mystery of God becoming one like us, how better to prepare than to pay attention to those I encounter each day, whether a tree, a bee or a neighbor; how better than to care for the earth, where God chose to join us and live in and among God’s own creation.
What is your one thing?