"Get Outdoors"

This Sunday we’ll be worshipping outdoors. Yes, it’ll be a little cool but it also promises to be beautiful. With the change in seasons, the color of the leaves, the crisp smell to the air… it is my favorite season. We’ll also be blessing pets this Sunday. That would obviously be hard to do indoors. Traditionally, “animal blessings” take place around the saint’s day for St. Francis of Assisi (October 4). Francis was known for his love of animals and creation.

    Spiritually, there’s a very big attraction to nature. Psychologically, being in nature, getting outdoors, has been shown to improve mental well-being. It’s no wonder “communing with nature” is a thing. Outside we’re free from the distractions of cubicles, traffic, and the clutter on kitchen table. The squirrels won’t judge me, and the tree won’t pressure me. I don’t have to be vulnerable before other people among the birds. The readings this Sunday highlight that. Psalm 104 is full of praise for how God cares for everything—every living thing—through the gift of creation. That of course includes us. The result in my soul is gratitude and appreciation. And humility toward the world around me. Nature is full of grace. I can also do some “soul searching” I don’t have the time or freedom to do in other areas of my life. The sheer power of nature, however, also humbles us and prompts that kind of reflection; hurricanes Helene and Milton have forced that on us.

     Another aspect of grace is that I can sit at the feet of Jesus and through his Word see myself through the eyes of God’s love (Luke 10:38-42)—that is humbling and comforting. The outdoors proclaims that, but without words (Psalm 104). The words of the Psalm, however, remind us and tell us that—contrary to the words of the narrative of constant economic growth—nature is not something to be exploited, but listened to, appreciated, loved, taken care of, as God’s gift to us and all of God’s creatures. That is grace!!

Peace,

Pr. Christian