“But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air and they will tell you; speak to the Earth, and it will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you” (Job 12:7-8).

Reflect on Job’s words as you watch the fires out West and see Hurricanes in the seas becoming more powerful and more often. Our Hurricane season seems to be lengthening in time because of warmer ocean waters.

In all the mystics throughout history, we see the presence of science and the collaboration between science and Faith, an understanding of who is God in our universe.

We can not divorce science from religion, a lesson we learn from the mystics.

When we look at the lives of the mystics and include in that a review our own lives as mystics, do we see ourselves creating a new creation, new humankind, one step at a time? One person at a time? 

Julian of Norwich and Hildegard of Bingen took steps to develop new humanity, where one meets the living God, the God in and of our universe. 

Hildegard was inspired by the Spirit to use the tools of her time to preach, teach, educate, collaborate, write, innovate with the people she encountered. So too, with each of us, use the tools of our time. And when you think nothing is working, remember that scene from the original movie “Oh God.” Where this conversation occurs: 

“Jerry Landers: I don’t even go to any church!

God: Neither do I.

Jerry Landers: Why me?

God: Why not you?

Jerry Landers: You mean there’s no special…

God: Life is a crapshoot, like the millionth customer that crosses the bridge gets to shake hands with the governor. You thought I picked you because you’re better than everyone?

Jerry Landers: I’m not?

God: You’re better than some but not as good as others, but you crossed the bridge at the right time.”

Is it time for us to cross that bridge? To come to realize our voice can be heard. To create a better environment, a better world to live in, one that collaborates, and our environment.  

It all starts by loving ourselves and loving our planet and all that it means to become better human beings.

I would like us to reflect on the words of Thomas Merton:

“What do I mean by loving ourselves properly? I mean, first of all, desiring to live, accepting life as a very great gift and a great good, not because of what it gives us, but because of what it enables us to give to others.”