4th Week of Lent
INTRODUCTION
As we enter the fourth week of our Basilica Justice Collective preparations for the Risen Christ, The Basilica’s Creation Justice Committee (CJC) invites you to contemplate and envision a more just world for the entirety of creation – from the soil and waters that sustain us to the plants, animals, and people with whom we co-inhabit Our Common Home.
In the gospel reading, Jesus heals the man born blind with purifying water and soil – two of the most critical resources for our survival and the health of ecosystems. The Hebrew word for soil is ‘adamah,’ from which biblical scholars believe the name Adam is derived, highlighting the connection between soil and humans. This connection is just one dimension of the inextricable linkage among all of creation, a concept Pope Francis termed ‘integral ecology’ in his papal encyclical, Laudato Si’.
Bearing in mind this interconnectivity, imagine for a moment that the very soil particles Jesus used to heal the man’s affliction are a metaphor for the ability we each possess to support the healing of creation. How can our actions, prayers, and intentions help restore and transform our relationship with nature to one that is healthy and generative, not destructive?
To help you answer this question, the CJC provides seven daily reflections that touch on environmental stewardship themes that CJC members have gleaned from this week’s readings. (See below for a list of readings.) Among the written reflections is an opportunity for visio divina – contemplative prayer focused on an image or work of art. One way to do this is to re-read the Gospel passage (Jn. 9:1-41 (extended) or Jn. 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38 (abridged)) and then take a moment to view the image provided. Prayerfully reflect on what you see or what thoughts or feelings arise for you as you look at the image.
We have a long road toward full restoration of Our Common Home, but the journey starts with just one act, one prayer, and one step toward a more just relationship with God’s creation.
Thank you for taking the time to contemplate creation during this Season of Lent.
- This week’s readings:
- First reading: 1 Samual 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a
- Psalm: Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 (1)
- New Testament: Ephesians 5:8-14
- Alleluiah: John 8:12
- Gospel: John 9:1-41 (extended) or Jn. 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38 (abridged))
SUNDAY – LIGHT
How beautiful that God brings us light at the start of each day. A promise, a renewal, and a sign of a fresh beginning. The light brings shape, color, texture and movement to everything we inhabit. May we too be a light to the world – in our conversations, meetings, relationships and community, shaping them to reflect the light of Christ.
– Theresa Ptak
MONDAY – WATER
After placing soil in his eyes, Jesus instructed the man born blind to bathe in the Pool of Siloam. It was only after bathing that the man’s eyesight was restored. This story highlights the healing power of water – the holy element that anointed us all at our baptisms, and the substance that comprises 60% of the human body (on average) and covers approximately 70% of the surface of the planet. Yet roughly 25% of the lakes in Minnesota do not meet standards for swimming and recreation due to excess nutrients, primarily phosphorous (a substance commonly found in fertilizers) which fuels algae growth.
Today, each time you interact with precious water, offer a prayer of thanksgiving for its power to sustain us. And by day’s end, try to identify at least one way you can help protect our fresh water here in Minnesota. Some ideas might be to consider avoiding fertilizer use, buy local organic produce when possible, and support efforts to ensure the federal government maintains programs that protect freshwater in our communities.
Photo: Pool of Siloam, Jerusalem by James Robertson and Felice Beato (1857). (National Gallery of Art: https://www.nga.gov/artworks/212294-pool-siloam-jerusalem)
– Rachel Holmes
TUESDAY – YOUTH
God saw promise in David despite his youth. Following God’s example in 1 Samuel, we need to listen to the voices of young people. I would say this is especially true when it comes to the care for our common home, the Earth. Our actions (and inaction) today are creating the future they will live in. We need to live as children of light, clear-eyed about what the future holds for our young people. – Andy Willette
WEDNESDAY – RESILIENCE
Jesus used soil to restore the vision to the man born blind. Thousands of years later, our soils are at risk of the impacts of devastating wildfires. Climate change is causing more intense fires that burn hotter and longer, leading to the depletion of organic matter and nutrients in the top layers of soil where roots grow. Despite the devastation, plants and trees ultimately return and, in some cases, even survive the flames, helping to reseed the post-fire landscape. Pray for soil health and nature’s resilience.
Spruce swamp post wildfire in August 2021 in Superior National Forest. (Photo credit: Rachel Holmes)
THURSDAY – TRUTH AND DIGNITY
“Who sinned, this man or his parents?” asked the Disciples. “Neither,” replied Jesus.
Lord, give me the grace to move from judgment to curiosity and compassion.
“I was blind but now I see,” said the man born blind to the Pharisees.
Lord, give me the strength to speak my truth.
“You claim you can see,” said Jesus to the Pharisees.
Lord, open my heart to recognize the dignity of every person and the sacredness of our creation.
– Joe Fargione
FRIDAY – HEART
As God chose David to lead Israel, should we also set aside the money, the charisma, expensive clothing, the perceived power, and instead look deeper. When looking for those to lead us in the church, in business and in government, should we also look to what is in the hearts of our leaders?
AI Generated image– Deb Sundquist
SATURDAY – PRAY WITH YOUR FEET (TAKE ACTION)
Thank you for contemplating creation justice with us. On this final day of our week, we invite you to ‘pray with your feet,’ and take action to help restore nature and restore our relationship with all of God’s creation.
- Speak up for Creation: Protect the Boundary Waters. There is proposed legislation before the US Senate to remove a 20-year ban on mineral extraction (mostly copper) in Superior National Forest. Copper mining is an invasive activity that negatively impacts surrounding watersheds, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area – the most widely visited wilderness area in the country. This measure already passed the US House of Representatives but there is still an opportunity to change its course as it enters the Senate. Visit savetheboundarywaters.org for more information.
- Steward God’s Creation: Planning Your Garden. After a long, snowy winter, it’s time to think about your Summer garden. Consider planting more perennials, using plants that attract pollinators (insects and birds), using drought-tolerant species to reduce the need for irrigation, and ensuring your piece of the planet has healthy soils. The University of Minnesota’s Extension Service has excellent resources to help you improve your stewardship skills. Visit extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden.
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Shoe Away Hunger. Donate your gently-used footwear of any type to The Basilica’s Shoe Away Hunger program. Collection boxes will be in the narthex at all masses on March 21st and 22nd.