The Earth-Friendly Saint 
St. Hildegard of Bingen
Feast Day: September 17

We hear so much today about being friendly to the earth, about protecting its creatures and the environment in which we live. Some think that being earth-friendly is a modern-day idea. However, eight centuries ago a woman named Hildegard wrote: "The earth should not be injured. The earth should not be destroyed." Here, truly, is an earth-friendly saint.

Listen to God's Word
God said, "Let people have power over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over every living thing upon the earth." From Genesis 1:26

An Earth-Friendly Prayer
Hildegard read these same words from the book of Genesis and understood that God was putting the care for this planet in our hands.

Take a moment now. Notice the trees, the water, the many things of nature that surround you. If possible, hold something of nature in your hand and examine it carefully, reverently. Do you see something there that you never saw before? Did you ever think that loving and caring for our earth is a holy and a prayerful thing to do? St. Hildegard did.

Listen to God's Word
Lord, you have made so many things! How wisely you made them all! The earth is filled with your creatures. From Psalm 104:24

Quiet Reflection
Sit very still. Relax. Breathe deeply. What are some of the happiest times you have had with God's gift of the earth? Do you remember warm sand in your toes, splashing in summer waves, hiking through green fields, lying on your back watching clouds or stars? Choose your favorite memory and begin to tell God about why this memory means so much to you. With St. Hildegard, give God thanks for the joys of the earth and ask for help to find ways to care for it.

My Prayer Goes On
Lord, I thank you for the wonder of myself, for the wonders of your world.

 

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