EASTER II
April 24, 2022
“The Earth is the Lord’s”
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.” Psalm 24:1-2
Earth Week/Day activities and observances have been taking place this past week, culminating in a very rainy day for Iowans. It’s likely that schools and other groups have been inconvenienced by needing to bring environmental and ecological learning activities indoors, while cheerfully acknowledging that our dry subsoil needs the moisture. Newspaper articles and TV presentations have featured a variety of ways to care for our beautiful planet, from what we do in our homes to efforts on a large scale.
References to the earth and to creation are abundant in both the Old and New Testaments, beginning, of course, with the first chapter of Genesis and the story of the creative power of God bringing about the universe in which we live. As we read of the first day, the second, and on, there is a rhythm to the creative process. It has the feel of poetry or a chant, as the creation of night and day, earth and sky, sun and moon, step by deliberate step is described. The creative days unfold, but as the sixth day begins and living creatures appear, the familiar phrase, “And God saw that it was good” appears. The day continues, and humans are created, blessed, and given all they need. Chapter 1 concludes: “God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.”
Last week’s Good Friday meditation spoke of how impossible it was to find the “good” in any of that day’s events. But we learned that an ancient English use of the word “good” also meant “holy.” Try reading the quotes above, replacing “good” with “holy,” and what is your reaction? Mine was one of surprise at how very different the sentence sounded, and I’m not playing word games here. “Good” is an everyday, ordinary word, describing anything from well-behaved children to a dish of ice cream. That which is addressed as being holy, however, denotes a connection to God and commands respect and honor.
The holiness of God’s creation appears as the sky brightens every morning and, as darkness descends, the softness of night envelops us. As our environment struggles to renew itself in spite of human carelessness and ignorance it is far more than good — it is, indeed, holy.
The writer of the Psalms lived in a desert environment, and day and night, the enormous vistas all around were vivid reminders of human insignificance. Upon seeing a star-filled sky on a clear night, these are the words that came to my mind: “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:3-4)
As the grateful inhabitants of God’s creation, we have opportunities to be good stewards of it, conscientiously caring for the land, the water, and the air. Let us pray that we will find ways to repair and protect that which has been entrusted to us.
Love your Mother (Earth)!
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers