In this month of caring for our Earth, the Cambodian poet, Suttantaprija Ind, reminds us of our fragility on this Earth:
How transient the lives of all creatures!
Once bodies break apart and minds collapse,
no one would dare go near [them].
Let us all dwell on life’s impermanence.
(From Journey to Angkor Wat by Suttantaprījā Ind, translated by Trent Walker)
And let us also pray from Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’
Mysterious 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 on 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.
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.
Teach us to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every person and every creature
as we journey toward Your infinite love, justice, and peace.—AMEN.