Today, April 22nd, is Earth Day, a worldwide celebration of our planet’s beauty and natural resources; a day which brings environmental concerns to the forefront across the globe. In elementary school, I remember that every year on Earth Day we would walk to the nearby park and plant a tree to do our part to save the planet.
As people of faith, protecting the environment is not only a civic duty, but a spiritual duty as well. We show our love and respect for our Creator, by the caring for the created—both people and the planet.
How appropriate, then, that in today’s Psalm Response we proclaim: The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord (Psalm 33:5).
Every tree, every flower, every creepy crawly creature—is full of God’s goodness. That is why we must protect it all. That is why we must live in a way that is sustainable. The earth has been gifted to us, we must take good care.
If you are trying to find a way to connect with God, to find God’s presence in your life, try going out for a walk. Look at the Spring flowers beginning to bloom, listen to the birds chirping, look up into the blue skies (or perhaps your skies are gray, since it is spring…April showers, bring May flowers!) All of these are the handiwork of our Creator and Lord. All of them are reminders of God’s never-ending presence in our lives.
When I’m in a place where I can see the stars really well, I love to just lie down on the ground and look up. I look up in awe at God’s creativity, in awe of the beauty and grandeur of God’s creation. It reminds me of my own beauty. God was just as creative in making each one of us. Each of us is just as beautiful as the shiniest star. Together, we the people of the planet are like the beauty of the night sky. We must also protect each other. We also must live in a way that ensures this beauty is around for generations to come!
Psalm 148
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his host!
Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for he commanded and they were created.
He established them forever and ever;
he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed
Praise the Lord from the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!
Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
Wild animals and all cattle,
creeping things and flying birds!
Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike,
old and young together!
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his faithful,
for the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord!
