February 6, 2024

Today is the sixth of our daily reflections for Interfaith Harmony Week. (If you missed any of the other days, you can find them in the blog section of our website, interfaithpeaceproject.org .) The Interfaith Peace Project is pleased to offer you these reflections for each day of Interfaith Harmony Week, February 1-7, 2024.

Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P
[email protected]
925-787-9279

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THE TAO OF EARTH
Interfaith Harmony Week
February 1-7, 2024
Day Six
by Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.

CONSIDER

… See the world as your very self.
Trust the ebbs and flows of the way things are.
Care for the World as you would care for yourself …

                                                                  From #13, The Tao Te Ching 

REFLECTION

How we treat the Earth indicates how we might treat one another.

The great spiritual traditions of Humankind see the Earth and all creation as the expression of the Divine. For some, the expanse of the Universe is the Divine – a mystery of delight and wonderment continuously unfolding.

We are called to live on Earth as members of one human family in communion with all the creatures and forces of Nature, seen and unseen. The Earth under our feet reminds us of the solidarity we humans are called to have and enjoy.

The terror of Nature keeps us on our toes as we learn to care for one another in the gentle rains of Spring and the fierce storms of Winter.

As our World evolves, we humans must take every precaution not to harm the Earth but care for it as a sign of love and compassion for one another and all Creation.

POEM

… Meanwhile the wild geese
    high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are,
    no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself
    to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese,
    harsh and exciting
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things. …

                                                                    Wild Geese
                                                                    Mary Oliver

RESPONSE

Walk barefoot on the grass, the Earth, or the mud, giving thanks to all the elements that make your life possible.

Touch the trunk of a tree or behold the beauty of a flower as you pledge to care for the Earth in any way you can.

Mindfully and quietly, drink some water as you feel the surge of life in your body.

Lovingly point out to another person your gratitude to them for simply being in your presence.

Bless the creatures, large and small.

Practice being conscious of how the mystery and splendor of Nature and Earth bless you.