The mystery of the Trinity and global solidarity

READ

Chapter 6, section 7: The Trinity and the Relationship Between Creatures

During this last week of this series, let's take a look at the end of chapter 6 and the conclusion of Laudato Si'.

In section 7, the pope explains how the Holy Trinity is omnipresent in the universe: "The Father is the ultimate source of everything, the loving and self-communicating foundation of all that exists. The Son, his reflection, through whom all things were created, united himself to this earth when he was formed in the womb of Mary. The Spirit, infinite bond of love, is intimately present at the very heart of the universe, inspiring and bringing new pathways" (238).

There is so much spiritual power that comes with recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things. Pope Francis writes: "Creatures tend towards God, and in turn it is proper to every living being to tend towards other things, so that throughout the universe we can find any number of constant and secretly interwoven relationships... The human person grows more, matures more and is sanctified more to the extent that he or she enters into relationships, going out from themselves to live in communion with God, with others and with all creatures… Everything is interconnected, and this invites us to develop a spirituality of that global solidarity which flows from the mystery of the Trinity" (240).

REFLECT

Francis includes this prayer in the conclusion: 

A Prayer for Our Earth

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe

and in the smallest of your creatures.

You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.

Pour out upon us the power of your love,

that we may protect life and beauty.

Fill us with peace, that we may live

as brothers and sisters, harming no one.

O God of the poor,

help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth,

so precious in your eyes.

Bring healing to our lives,

that we may protect the world and not prey on it,

that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.

Touch the hearts

of those who look only for gain

at the expense of the poor and the earth.

Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,

to be filled with awe and contemplation,

to recognize that we are profoundly united

with every creature

as we journey towards your infinite light.

We thank you for being with us each day.

Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle

for justice, love and peace.

 

Amen. 

ACT

In the prayer above, the pope touches on some of the profound ideas we've unpacked throughout this series. Meditate on these words. 

It's a beautiful thing to humbly pray to God and ask for wisdom. But after praying, we need to listen for what we are called to do, find God in new things, and do what we can to make a difference. Even if you feel like you can't do much, remember nothing is too small in the eyes of the Lord. Consider going back to my earlier posts where I offer details on actions that anyone can do.