• About The Sophia Center

The Sophia Center for Spirituality

~ Spanning the denominations in NY's Southern Tier

The Sophia Center for Spirituality

Tag Archives: climate change

A Prayer on the Day of Battle

26 Friday Mar 2021

Posted by thesophiacenterforspirituality in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

climate change, consciousness, nature, saving the planet, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

There have been reports of tornadoes in the Southeastern states overnight and even in Buffalo, NY—near the Great Lakes—the danger is real from wind and rain. Psalm 18 cries out: It is you I call, my God, in this dark hour…The roaring waves of death surrounded me, destroying floods overwhelmed my soul. In trouble and in fear I call out to you.

This is a very long psalm (51 verses) and intertwines our inner struggles with the elements of nature. “I love you, O God, my strength, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer!” The clouds are racing across the sky outside and the sun plays hide-and-seek with the blaring wind: in and out, in and out. It mimics the fear that makes us hide in cellars or in our bathtubs when the wind comes up in gusts (up to 60 mph today). The trees have now joined the fray shaking their heads as if saying “No, no…calm down! You need to pay attention to the storms inside you.” I stop to get in touch with that warning.

Last week I watched a podcast with Al Gore and John Kerry discussing climate issues. I was amazed at their vast knowledge and understanding of the issues and embarrassed at my ignorance of the same. I wonder if we are past the point of saving the world as I remember the commercial from years ago with a picture of a Native American warrior standing on the bank of a polluted stream. On his cheek was a single tear. I don’t even remember the words on the screen but I will never forget that face.

All these disparate images call me to consciousness and to a self-inquiry…I purport to love nature in all her beauty and wildness and to desire her safety from destruction, but right now I am asking myself (as the trees outside still shake their heads at me): What exactly are you willing to do—really—to assist in saving the planet? Can you honestly say, “I love you, O God, my strength, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer?”

Thoughtful Advice

27 Friday Sep 2019

Posted by thesophiacenterforspirituality in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

climate change, optimism, planet, survive, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

Every Thursday, the Sisters in our Province receive weekly updates of events, issues of concern and news about province members and our Associates. Each time there is an introductory quote that makes us think. I thought yesterday’s offering was helpful in allowing some hope even in the midst of our concerns about the future of our planet. I share it not so that you and I can sit back and breathe relief, but in order to regroup our hope and willingness to participate in solutions.

The same way to look at the future on a warming planet — and the best way to survive it — is…to see what’s coming not as an inevitability, but as a work in progress: moldable reality affected by the choices we make today and tomorrow, and next year. Engaged optimism of this kind has been a critical ingredient of historical progress…The New Deal, forged amid the despair of the Great Depression, was not only an urgent response to the woes of the urban jobless and the displaced Dust Bowl farmers but also an act of optimism boldly spending resources not just to alleviate immediate pain but for the sake of the radically different future that FDR and others envisioned for American society. (Bina Venkataraman, “Why We Still Need Climate Optimism” The Washington Post, Sept. 16, 2019)

Creation Speaks

29 Thursday Nov 2018

Posted by thesophiacenterforspirituality in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

climate change, Earth, listen, psalm 19, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, work

I clicked on my phone this morning to see what time it was and was greeted with a Washington Post article on climate change, the result of a wide-ranging study with dire predictions. If I had harbored any hesitations about the legitimacy of such news, they would certainly have been quelled by the scholarship of the report. For me, however, it was just more evidence of what has been patently obvious over several years of watching what is happening to Earth, our Mother. The clearest conclusion in the study is that humans are responsible for the underlying causes of much of what is happening and it is up to us to work toward reform in our use and abuse of the goods of the earth.

As I read, I heard Psalm 19 echoing in my head and heart and I was struck by a question forming in response. Listen, please!

The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of God’s hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech; they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the end of the world…(vs. 1-4)

Are we listening?

Success!

04 Saturday Nov 2017

Posted by thesophiacenterforspirituality in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

climate change, connection, consciousness, deep breath, gratitude, Peace, soup supper, Syrian refugees, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, unity

soupforsyria1Sometimes we just have to “let go and let God.” At the beginning of this week we had  heard from people who said, “Oh yes, I’d like to come to your soup supper” (see yesterday’s post) but at that point we only had one confirmed reservation. I think it  was on Tuesday that we counted up nine additional people. Since I have been engaged in programming events for years where reservations (not necessarily for food but sometimes just for space and set-up), I expected some “after deadline traffic” but I was beginning to wonder about the folly of such an undertaking. My last call for an additional two attendees was yesterday morning about seven hours before the event. By then I had developed enough stamina to reply, “Of course you can come! I’ll see you there!” while my mind was saying, “Will we have enough soup? Will I find enough soup spoons? Should we have ordered more books”…etc.

By five o’clock, I was ready for whatever happened and taking deep breaths of gratitude for our trusty team of 3 soup makers and 3 set-up/clean up staff who allowed me the luxury of addressing and then mixing with the 28 people who participated in the event. All the books were sold, all the soup consumed, excellent interactions were the order of the evening and the original goal was achieved: a new consciousness of and over $500 to be donated to aid for Syrian refugees. An additional gift was the exhibit of five powerful and telling paintings by local artist, Claudine Jones, whose concern for the environment contributed not only to the conversations but to our awareness of the need to be engaged in the issue of climate change.

I continue to be amazed at what can happen in a small city in Upstate New York that causes ripples of connection to the larger world. I met a few new people last evening and in our conversations with old and new acquaintances relationships were begun or strengthened in service to the good of all people. May it continue and lead us in time to a world of unity and peace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Praise for Creation

04 Tuesday Oct 2016

Posted by thesophiacenterforspirituality in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Brother Sun, Canticle of Creation, climate change, creation, Earth, heavens, nature, Peace, praise God, Sister Moon, St. Francis of Assisi, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

astfrancisThere are many reasons to celebrate St. Francis of Assisi, a man whose life took what we would probably call a 180-degree turn after a serious illness and became one of Christianity’s most beloved saints. We who live in this neighborhood of the USA cannot help thinking of Francis as we watch the splendid transformation of the trees – not unlike the life and conversion of Francis himself. From the greening of spring when they seem to be born again to the maturing in summer, reflecting the grandeur of God, to the flaming out in vivid color that seems to lead to death, they are a metaphor for his 44 years on the earth. We know that after the next few weeks of spectacular color – already manifesting in New Hampshire and Vermont – the trees will join the bears in hibernation only to return again after the long sleep of winter. Francis knew all these seasons in his life and praised God for all of it in the wonderful prayer that we know as the Canticle of Creation. As we pray it today, let us be mindful of our earth and the challenges faced by climate change, asking St. Francis (and Pope Francis!) to increase our mindfulness of the need to care more consciously for this, our home.

Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord, all praise is yours, all glory, all honour and all blessings. To You alone, Most High, do they belong, and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name. Praised be You, my Lord with all your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day through whom you give us light. And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor. Of You, Most High, he bears the likeness. Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars. In the heavens You have made them bright, precious and fair. Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and fair and stormy all weather’s moods by which You cherish all that You have made. Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water, so useful, humble, precious and pure. Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom You light the night and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong. Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, producing varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.

Praise be You, my Lord, through those who grant pardon for love of You and bear sickness and trial. Blessed are those who endure in peace. By You, Most High, they will be crowned. Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Death, from whom no one living can escape. Woe to those who die in sin! Blessed are they she finds doing your will. No second death can do them harm. Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks. And serve Him with great humility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope for the World

14 Sunday Aug 2016

Posted by thesophiacenterforspirituality in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

babies, baby boomers, climate change, family, Fiona Mitchell, gratitude, Meg Wheatley, next generation, Olympics, planet, sports, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, Turning To One Another, winning, world community

aplantLast night again I stayed up late watching amazing young people engage in sports. And again I was heartened to hear them tell not only of their joy at winning medals but also of their gratitude for the support of their teams, their coaches and all others who have supported them in their efforts. They also spoke of the privilege of representing their country at the Olympics – just being there, in such a “world community” as indescribable. In the face of all the negative events swirling around us daily in the news and in our neighborhoods, it is helpful to experience the worldwide cooperation that is evident in the contests in Rio.

While speaking of climate change and the devastation of earth that is part of the “downside” of life in our world these days, Meg Wheatley quoted a 22-year old college student in England who reminded me of the common spirit of the athletes when she spoke about our responsibility to the environment. This young woman, Fiona Mitchell, says:

I’d love to be able to just get on with my life and just enjoy it and do the things I want to do…And it’s really annoying that you can’t get on with your life because the planet is being destroyed. But I, personally, can’t just ignore it, because it’s a part of me. It’s  part of all of us, you know. I think a lot of people don’t see the connections between things, the connections that run through everything. We have to take care of everything, because it’s all part of the same thing. (Turning to One Another, p. 109)

In all of this, I think too of my extended family, gathered this weekend for a 60th birthday celebration of one of the “old folks” – my generation. It’s always a profound joy to see “the kids” (now in their 20s and 30s) who have morphed into such amazing and interesting adults, having also chosen wonderful partners for their life-walk. Whether I am present or just vicariously living these events by telephone, I am moved to hope for the world, just as I have been this week at the Olympics and in England by Fiona Mitchell. The next generations have much to do to keep the world turning (as, by the way, so do those of us “baby boomers” still walking around) but perhaps with our support wonderful things lie in store for the beautiful babies being born right now. May we all hold this intention and determination in our hearts as we open ourselves to a new day and week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weather

13 Monday Jul 2015

Posted by thesophiacenterforspirituality in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

climate change, freedom, God, love, New Seeds of Contemplation, seeds, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, Thomas Merton, weather

These days we seem to talk about the weather more and more – not just with a passing comment about like or dislike but with a real concern for the wild shifts and storms that we cannot categorize as normal for a certain season. It is unnerving to watch reports of damage caused by weather conditions in our own country and beyond. We lament the changes and have begun to wake up to the possibility that humanity has not been the best caretaker of the earth, especially in the recent past. This morning a reflection from Thomas Merton’s book, New Seeds of Contemplation, put a frame around our relationship with nature that, were we to interiorize it, might help us to be more responsible about our choices and thus aid in restoring a balance with the natural world.

It is God that warms me in the sun and God’s love that sends the cold rain. It is God’s love that feeds me in the bread I eat and God that feeds me also by hunger and fasting. It is the love of God that sends the winter days when I am cold and sick, and the hot summer when I labor and my clothes are full of sweat: but it is God who breathes on me with light winds off the river and in the breezes out of the wood. God’s love spreads the shade of the sycamore over my head. It is God’s love that speaks to me in the birds and streams; but also behind the clamor of the city God speaks to me in his judgments, and all these things are seeds sent to me from God’s will. If these seeds would take root in my liberty, and if God’s will would grow from my freedom, I would become the love that God is, and my harvest would be God’s glory and my own joy. And I would grow together with thousands and millions of other freedoms into the gold of one huge field praising God, loaded with increase, loaded with wheat.

Donate to The Sophia Center for Spirituality

Donate

Our other websites

  • Main website
  • Facebook page

Visitors

  • 85,240 hits

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 963 other followers

Recent Posts

  • Sing A New Song
  • Monday, Monday…
  • Dive Into Mercy
  • Hiatus
  • And Then the Blazing Sun…

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets

Archives

  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013

Blog at WordPress.com.

Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×
    Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
    To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy