Last week entailed an almost frenetic rate of production: a translation of an 8000-word chapter given by Pope Francis to the priests of the Diocese of Rome; my 2000th post, dedicated to a summative reflection on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Christian contemplation in its four main forms; a lengthy book review for Orange Shirt Day here in Canada. Following that spurt of energy, I had planned to take it a bit slower this week—but then, the pope’s meeting with the Little Sisters of Jesus came along, and that somewhat derailed my plan!

I do think the plan had validity. After all, an ecological spirituality requires taking things slow (while also taking them quickly, as far as enacting change goes)—and this is still the Season of Creation, at least until the end of the day.

In this spirit, I want to open up discussion a tad more, particularly on topic of the Season of Creation. I’ve dedicated many posts in the past month to this theme, and tried to integrate it into Christian contemplation more generally. To that end, I was wondering what any readers thought. Thinking of Christian spirituality in ecological terms isn’t exactly new around here. But I’ve never focused on it quite so much, often, and insistently, either.

So my first question is just this:

If you need a refresher on what these posts were, you can view any of them under the Season of Creation tag.

For my part, I’ll say this. I don’t think I should choose a favourite “child,” but I can say this. I’ve learned a lot this month. Focusing my prayer and reflection on the common locus of our common home has set more firmly in place my experience and understanding of the creative Trinity, the gaze of Jesus for creation, and the vulnerability and suffering of the members of Christ’s Body today (and in future generations). It helps me better integrate all the various aspects of a life of Christian contemplation, and for that, as well as for creation itself, I am grateful.

Aside from the poll question, there’s another question I’d invite you to answer in the comments. I really would like to open up more discussion here:

What, if anything, would you like to add about grateful contemplation of God’s creation? Either add to the comment section alone or add to this blog or add to your own life or that of a community you belong to. Please do share.