Spirituality

  • PDF
  • Print

Being Fruitful

  • Thursday, 05 March 2009 08:40
  • Written by Ned Henry

In the beginning, God created us on the sixth day.   Upon our creation, we were given a commandment to be fruitful and multiply.  We’ve got the multiplication part down.  Being fruitful requires a bit more work. 

The first step is to be aware that the choices we make affect the world around us.  Once we are aware, we are open to see the many opportunities and challenges we face.   I have found this awareness as a welcomed companion in most every decision I encounter, how I eat, how I shop, how I use things, how I give back and how I move throughout the day.

Sometimes it’s a balancing act between joy, ambivalence and guilt.  I feel good about the programmable thermostat cutting the heat back at night.  I feel guilt about the window in my den that needs some additional insulation.  I recognize there are many things I ignore, right or wrong.  I give myself license to make mistakes.  I try to recognize areas where I have improved.  I know I can’t do everything, but I know I must do something. 

I do believe the earth can be healthier and I have a role in shaping its outcome.  Most importantly, I find energy to act stems from being aware of our first commandment, to be fruitful in God’s creation.

  • PDF
  • Print

Rediscovering the First Commandment

  • Monday, 13 October 2008 20:31
  • Written by Ned Henry

As long as I can remember, I've heard the message that we don't take care of the Earth as well as we should.  While I've agreed, I have ignored it for three reasons.  The job is too big.  There is little that I can do.  In the end, it didn't matter.  The earth is a big place and our actions don't affect the earth on a large level.  Turns out I was wrong.  I was wrong about us not affecting the earth.  I was wrong that the job is too big.  I was wrong that there was nothing I can do.

At the same time, as a Christian I realize I've been ignoring something else, the first commandment.  It is not hidden or hard to find.  It's right up front.  In the first story, in the first chapter of the first book, we are given our first charge.  God starts with nothing, the void upon the face of the waters, and builds earth and sky.  God designs the waters, light, the heavens and earth.  God creates fish of the sea, birds of the air and creatures on the land.  With this as the back drop, God creates humankind.  Just as the moon is given charge to rule the night, we are given charge to be good stewards of the earth.  This may not be the one of the Ten Commandments or the Greatest Commandment, but it is surely our first.  It also appears to be the most overlooked.

In his book, The Great Work, Thomas Berry suggests the health of the planet is directly aligned with our spiritual connection to it.  We see ourselves above the earth and not part of it.  We think our vision of the earth is better than the way the earth has managed itself over the past 5 billion years.  Many of us recognize our planet is in trouble.  At the same time, we admit we are isolated from Creation.  The solution to these are one in the same.  We must reclaim our role as stewards of the Garden.  By fulfilling the first commandment, we/I can help the earth restore itself.  Time to do some gardening.