I was in the yard the other day getting wood for the woodstove evening fire. I stopped for a moment to survey the garden. Nature had provided a remnant blanket of last year’s plants, protection from winter’s frost and snow. Looking closer, I saw that beneath the tangle of dried roots, stems, and leaves, down close to the soil, small patches of green sprouts were enduring. For an instant, I yearned for the promise of spring.
Prayer is looking closer; it enlivens the faith that sustains us.
More than a year ago, as late winter began blending into early spring, we were in the company of our youngest grandson. It was an almost mild day; the breeze carried a hint of early spring’s rich scent of earth.
The three-year-old was running, chasing the ball, swinging on the swing, careening down the slide – doing all the things that make being three so much fun. We grandparents weren’t running, just watching, occasionally tossing the ball, vigilant shepherds keeping everything safe.
All at once, our youngster slowed his activity, stood still, bent over, and looked intently at the ground. He gently motioned for us to come where he was – as if he had just made a fascinating discovery. Crouching close to the earth, without a word, he reverently showed us a crocus blossom beginning its colorful breakthrough of the soil.
Crocuses appear early. They can’t seem to wait for spring’s warmer welcome. They break out into the cold as an early proclamation that spring will come.
We found joy in our grandson’s reverent delight in his discovery and quiet desire to share his precious find with us. His delight became ours.
“Then the Lord looked upon the earth, and filled it with his blessings.” (Sirach 16:29)
Creation, with its mystery, beauty, and energy, inspires us to pray.
I believe the earth offers enduring praise to its Creator. Perhaps all our prayer is in some way grounded in a reverent, delightful response to our Creator. I think creation is ours to discover, cherish, and reverently share.
In his encyclical, Laudato Si, Pope Francis reflected: “The entire material universe speaks of God’s love, his boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains: everything is, as it were, a caress of God.” (par. 84)
Let us ask the Lord to help us look closer, to discover how His Creation inspires our families to pray.