Earth Day: Nine days away


This afternoon, I was reading our interview with Jack
Jezreel, founder of JustFaith Ministries, for our June issue. I was struck by
how easily and fluidly he's able to make the connection between prayerful
reflection and just action.

Also comfortable with connecting spirituality and social
justice are the Sisters of Mercy, who've created a Earth Day novena.
Today is the first day. That's right, Earth Day is nine days away. 

Haven't thought about what you should do? Why not prepare for it and get a little inspired by doing
the novena? (You can even print a copy of
the prayer on their website.) Here's the prayer for day one to get you started:

Let us pray
today for: trees, plants, crops, and forests.


"… the
seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it,
who
indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirty fold."
Matthew
13: 23


Creator God, we
thank you for your gifts of trees, plants, crops, and forests. We repent
the
abuse we have given to these your creations. And we now ask for your
guidance
in restoring the face of the earth.


"O, my
merciful Savior, you know my weakness. Vouchsafe to assist me with your
powerful
grace." –Catherine McAuley

[via Catholic Climate Covenant ]