D & C 163  | |
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Section 163:4b
The Earth Shudders in Distress
For Further Reflections and Discussion
- The authors state that our “journey of faith is not complete without
healing our relationship with the earth.” Describe in your own words what it
means to you to have a “relationship” with the earth. How does this
relationship impact you, your family, and your faith community?
- The authors state further that social justice and environmental justice
are inseparable. In what specific ways have you witnessed this? How does
this relate to our mission to create communities of joy, hope, love, and
peace?
- Section 163:4b is the most poignant counsel to the church to date on the
environmental crisis. What are the basic theological assumptions found in
this document? How might they be understood differently in Western,
developed societies and in the so-called developing world?
- The task of “saving the earth” carries both global and local aspects.
Why is it necessary to engage in both? How does it affect our sense of
urgency to consider these tasks as religiously based?
- What concrete steps can you take in your homes, congregations, church
campgrounds, and International Headquarters in “moving toward a healing
transformation of this world”? (See also the suggestions for Lent on pages
14–15.)
- How does Section 163:4b relate to Section 155:7 (“Know, O my people, the
time for hesitation is past. The earth, my creation, groans for the
liberating truths of my gospel which have been given for the salvation of
the world.”)?
Discernment Process
In the quiet of their hemlock forest, our authors find peace, but they also
feel the Spirit inviting them to act on behalf of the shuddering earth. This
is the rhythm of the spiritual journey: the going inward for peace, rest,
and listening followed by the going out to act and to bless.
The environmental problems looming over humankind at this moment in time
seem overwhelming when we look at the whole. But we didn’t get here
overnight and we will not repair it overnight. An ancient proverb reminds us
that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. We each have
our own small corner of the earth where we have influence—dominion, if you
will—and this is where we can act. This discernment exercise is intended to
open us to what one step the Spirit would invite us to take in our own
respective domains. For some, this may be a new step added to many already
being taken at home or at work. For others, it may represent the beginning
of a new earth-reverent lifestyle.
As you prepare to enter this prayer of listening, take a moment and allow
yourself to be drawn to the place where you will pray. Go there. For the
first few minutes look around you. How has the earth provided what you see?
Do you know where and how the raw material was acquired for everything
around you? Do you know the person or persons involved in its creation? Do
the things around you represent a loving, reverent attitude toward the
earth? Does your little corner of the world demonstrate life lived in
harmony with what God has lovingly created? In the wisdom of God’s design,
the exhale of the plant kingdom is the inhale of the animal kingdom.
With all these awarenesses in mind, close your eyes and breathe. As you
inhale, increase your awareness of your connection and dependence on the
earth. As you exhale, offer your gratitude to God for the amazing bounty of
the earth. When you are ready, reread paragraph 4b. Listen for how this
scripture reflects on your life. Trust that the Holy Spirit will guide your
awareness. Once again, close your eyes and breathe. As you inhale, imagine
your breath coming directly from the plants and trees. As you exhale, offer
your repentance for your part in the careless use of the earth’s precious
resources.
Read paragraph 4b once more. Be still with the words. Accept the forgiveness
of the patient, long-suffering earth, and with your spiritual ears listen
for what step the Holy Spirit is inviting you to take in your corner of the
world. In the coming days, continue with prayers of gratitude and prayers
for guidance for your role as a steward of the earth. May the Lord bless
your meditations. Amen.
—Prepared by Kathy Shockley
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