Celtic Spirituality and Nature
“There is no creature on the earth
There is no life in the sea
But proclaims your goodness.
There is no bird on the wing
There is no star in the sky
There is nothing beneath the sun
But is full of your blessing.
Lighten my understanding
Of your presence all around, O Christ
Kindle my will
To be caring for Creation.”
—Phillip Newell, “Wednesday Morning” in Celtic Prayers from Iona: The Heart of Celtic Spirituality (Paulist Press, 1997).
Canada Lake at Cricket Time
The late Native American producer and musician, Jim Wilson, recorded the chirping sounds of crickets at regular and slowed-down speed, which is said to match “the average life span of humans.” In the slowed-down version, the crickets seem to be singing alleluias. (https://youtu.be/jk5gibBg-4g)
It is an impressive sound of praise from nature. No one else to my knowledge has been able to reproduce the sound, so it may be manipulated in some way; but nevertheless, I have listened to the recording so often that when I am outside in the night sky with the crickets, I hear an angelic chorus.
There is no question that birds, especially in the early morning, seem to be singing a new oratorio to Creation each day as the sun comes up. The stars at night are like fireworks from millions of miles away reminding us of a spectacle beyond our comprehension. The waves at the ocean are like a percussion instrument that keeps us aware of the constant, steady heartbeat of Creation—sometimes crashing like cymbals, sometimes tinkling softly like the ring of a triangle. I also hear from so many pet owners that they have experienced unconditional love for the first time from their pets, especially from dogs.
The love and praise of God is all around us, but especially in nature. Listen for it.
This is a time for listening and looking while the noise and lights outside of nature are considerably less. They will return. Consider this may be a respite for our lives even for very short periods of time. It has been a gift of great cost, so treasure each moment, each second and remember those who gave and are still giving up their lives. Remember that whatever we do to stay safe by observe distancing, masking and getting vaccinated, as we hear the crickets and watch the milky way for the first time is saving our life and many, many others.
Joanna joannaseibert.com
Bless you for supporting the ministry of our church and conference center, Camp Mitchell, on top of Petit Jean Mountain, by buying this book in the daily series of writings for the liturgical year, A Daily Spiritual Rx for Lent and Easter. If you like this book, could you take a brief moment to write a recommendation on its page on Amazon? More thank-you’s than I can say!!!
