“The Earth is Sacred, Not Separate”

Since paleolithic times, indigenous human cultures have maintained rituals that expressed a sacred relationship to the living world.  They were keenly aware of their dependence on Mother Earth as their primary source of survival and sustenance and their rituals celebrated that relationship with gratitude.  As science and technologies have grown, we have forgotten the sacred nature of creation and have seen ourselves more as separate rather than being part of the one living, spiritual being to which we all belong.  Once we remember we are in oneness with all of creation, we come to realize the well-being of Earth is not separate from the well-being of our own souls.  We must identify with other people, animals, and nature as a whole – we have to see that we exist in utter interdependence with them to have the greatest motivation for loving and caring for the whole of creation and thus create hope for our future.

Wendell Berry says, “The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy and, after all, our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it, and to foster its renewal, is our  only legitimate hope.”

Love is the most powerful force in creation and it is our reawakened love for the Earth that will bring healing and restore harmony and balance to Mother Earth. “Then, rather than looking at the world as a problem to be solved, we can see with new eyes that the world is a joyful mystery to be experienced with wonder, reverence, curiosity and love and contemplated with gladness and praise.” (Pope Francis)

May Earth Day and everyday be, for you, a time to celebrate the Earth and all creation and an opportunity to become actively involved with others in caring for the Earth and working toward greater ecological justice.

Rededicate yourself to live lightly and respectfully on the planet.  Repeat this vow:

We join with the Earth and with each other.
                To bring new life to the land
                To restore the waters
                To refresh the air

We join with the Earth and each other.
                To renew the forests
                To care for the plants
                To protect the creatures

We join with the Earth and each other.
                To celebrate the seas
                To rejoice in the sunlight
                To sing the song of the stars

We join with the Earth and with each other
                To recreate the human community
                To promote justice and peace
                To remember our children

We join together as many and diverse expressions of one loving mystery for the healing of the Earth and renewal of all life.

Mary C. Myers