Hear now, all you who fear God,
while I declare what he has done
for me.
2 Chronicles, Chapter 17, Verse 10
Now the fear of the LORD
was upon all the kingdoms of the countries surrounding Judah, so that they did
not war against Jehoshaphat.
Jehoshaphat was zealous
for God and as a result peace comes to the land. Seek first the Kingdom of God.
Rogation Days[1]
THE Monday, Tuesday, and
Wednesday before the Ascension are observed as days of solemn supplication, and
are called Rogation Days. These three Rogation days serve also as a preparation
for the feast of the ascension, which reminds us that we have the most powerful
intercessor in our savior, who is now enthroned at the right hand of the
father.
Since
1929 many churches
in the United States
have observed Rogation
Sunday as Rural Life
Sunday, or Soil Stewardship
Sunday. Services on this day examine
the religious aspects
of rural life. In 1969 the Roman Catholic Church cancelled
the Rogation Days.
In their place Church
authorities instituted days of prayer for
human needs, human
works, and the
fruits of the earth.
Local bishops may
now set appropriate
dates for these
observances in their dioceses.[2]
Making Holy Place and Time with Christ, Our Redeemer[3]
January--Creeks,
rivers, and other forms of moving water, including ice, manifest the flow of life
itself. A gurgling stream or rushing river, even in midwinter's rest, is the
sign that new life is coming forth, even when it is not yet perceptible in a
snow-covered landscape. Our life in Christ begins through the saving water of
Baptism; since this is so, we have an obligation to protect and save the water.
Water pollution is widespread, denying safe drinking water to millions of
people.
February--Soil under
our feet goes unnoticed, though this first foot of soil is where most living organisms
dwell. The health of the fragile skin of our earth is of utmost importance. Humility
comes from the Latin word for soil, "humus." From and unto dust is
the humbling message to each of us touched by the dust of Ash Wednesday. Soil is
rich and fertile but also prone to erosion and pollution. •
March--The
winds of March point to the power of God's Spirit working in us. We need to
listen and respond to the gentle breezes of the Spirit; but will we, or will we
be too distracted? The rebirth of spring reminds us of the energy of nature so
that we ask ourselves whether we waste or wisely use energy –electricity, oil,
gas, etc. Can we and should we continue to use nonrenewable fossil fuels, often
with accompanying air pollution, at the rate we do? Or will the environmental ills
we cause today call us in the future as a society to use wind and solar energy?
April--Lush and
blooming vistas beckon us to take to the road and to explore. As we itch to go out
and travel more in springtime, let us reflect on the mixed blessings. Interconnected
communities and beautiful scenery are often coupled with air pollution, consumption
of scarce petroleum, congestion, excessive mobility, and noise.
May--Flowers
in Mary's month tie us closely to the reawakening earth. The time of Resurrection
and expectant Pentecost is one of buds, blossoms, wildflowers, and greening of meadows
and lawns. Days lengthen and we welcome the warmth of the sun after the long
winter. Jesus is risen and is present in our midst, and so we rise and ascend
with him.
June--Wildlife
fills our life with joy and refreshment. Songbirds and birds of prey, squirrels
and rabbits, butterflies and lightning bugs all carry a message worth
discovering in early summer. Do we see and hear them, or do we overlook them,
even despise them? Are they simply an annoyance, or do we come to know, love,
and even serve these fellow creatures by providing protection and habitat?
July--We may
be more aware of community relations in this month of Independence Day, visits,
festivals, communal celebrations, and family reunions. Do our community and
home exude hospitality and welcome? Are we able to welcome strangers into our
community and open our social circles wider? Do we see connections between
hospitality to people and to other creatures? Is there a connection between
community relations and environmental concerns?
August--We may
come to appreciate more deeply the various landforms (mountains, deserts, rock formations,
valleys, and plains) during vacation time. They give us bearing, direction, and
the geological history of our lives. This is the beginning of awareness of the
"here" in our lives. The Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
shows us the "hereness" of the risen Lord, and the Assumption of the
Blessed Virgin Mary speaks of God's power to the blessed. While we can choose
to extend the Savior's redeeming power to our wounded earth, we also can choose
to withdraw from this awesome challenge.
September--Our
buildings need to be winterized. Now is the time to think of energy
conservation measures, adding caulking and painting, completing needed repairs,
composting yard wastes, and protecting garden plants for late fall and winter.
Do we regard our abodes as God's dwelling space, a sacred trust and healthy
place? Do we cherish the abundance of space and use it properly as good
stewards?
October--Trees
declare their own sermon in brief autumn's painted landscape. We note their
size and type and variety and beauty. Trees serve as symbols of the gift-giving
aspects of our lives. Trees provide fruit, wood, climatic modification, wind
and sun protection, prevention of soil erosion, and a host of other benefits.
This is the time to plant trees and to prepare them for winter. Should we not
give more attention to how our lives can bear fruit in Christ and in the
protection of our forests?
November--The
Thanksgiving meal is a ritual. Whether we are from rural or urban backgrounds, we
know the harvest time passes and the year draws to an end. Giving thanks to God
is Eucharist, a heavenly banquet and the foretaste of things to come. We are
not worthy receivers of this sacrament without the haunting knowledge of the
poor nutrition for many in our country and famine in other countries. How can
we respond to homelessness and hunger here in our own land and share our bounty
with those who are poor in other countries (lands)?
December--We turn
our attention indoors with Advent prayers and preparations for the birth of
Christ. For most of us, the indoors makes up the part of our environment in
which we spend the most time. It is also the most unregulated and can be the
most polluted part of the total environment –due to new home cleaning products
and tighter ventilation. Consider a simpler home environment, where houseplants
purify the air, where fresh air is plentiful, and where chemical products are
limited and controlled. The yearly cycle of twelve months can make us more
aware of our human environment and should help us as individuals and as a
community to conduct a monthly examination of conscience.
Daily Devotions/Prayers
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