This past week, all the quotes posted to social media (Facebook, Instagram, X) spoke of a Christian eco-spirituality for Earth Month, including a connection noted by Benedict XVI between contemplating nature and contemplating Christianized human nature:
My soul, while enjoying the beauties of nature, was also tasting the sweetness of spiritual joys. — Marcel Văn
In beholding the glory of the Trinity in creation, man must contemplate, sing, and rediscover wonder. — Pope Saint John Paul II
Let us hope that the Lord will help us to contemplate his beauty, both in nature and in works of art, so that we, moved by the light that shines from his face, may be a light for our neighbour. — Pope Benedict XVI
Perfect faith… gives a superior radiant simplicity, which is like the reflection of the divine simplicity. Sometimes it shines forth on the countenances of the saints, which are as if illumined by a celestial light. — Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange
I wish everyone could understand the great grace that God, in his mercy, sends when he sends suffering, especially suffering devoid of consolation. Then, indeed, we’re purified like gold in the furnace. Without knowing, we become radiant and set free to fly to our Good, to a blessed transformation. We carry the cross with Jesus and don’t know it. — Saint Paul of the Cross
Contemplative in the Mud 