(6 February, 2005)

FIFTH SUNDAY – YEAR A

S: Good morning today we concentrate on the earth and respect for the environment and we are also conscious that Lent begins on Wednesday.

B: Our word of life for today comes from Matthews Gospel “ you are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless what can make it salty again?” and from the point of view of the environment this also applies – what would renew the earth again if it were gone? We only get one shot at life and this is it – its not a dress rehearsal this is the real thing.

S: I guess we’re all really only growing in our understanding of how important it is to care for the earth. The recent Tsunami disaster reminds us all how fragile the earth is that we live in. We must care for it and help each other. A big thank you to everyone who supported the recent Trocaire collection in Churches all over the Limerick Diocese. Over €620,000 was raised which was the largest collection ever taken up in this diocese. Well done to everyone and I’m sure Trocaire will put the money to good use. Hopefully it will go someway towards renewing not alone people’s lives but also the environment of the areas affected.

B: The week ahead sees the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Ashes are placed on our forehead to remind us that we are of the earth – that we’re nourished by the earth and go back to the earth, so we have a duty to care for and respect the earth.

Chief Seattle of the Dwamish Indian Tribe wrote a letter in 1854 to the US government regarding land for the Native Americans – what follows is part of this letter which is known as the Litany of the circle.

Chief Seattle

S: Every part of this earth is sacred

B: every shining pine needle, every sandy shore

S: every mist in the dark woods

B: every clearing and humming insect is holy

S: The rocky crest, the juices of the meadow, the beasts and all the people

B: All belong to the same family.

S: Teach your children that the earth is our mother.

B: Whatever befalls the earth befalls the children of the earth.

S: The water’s murmur is the voice of our father’s father.

B: We are part of the earth, and the earth is part of us.

S: The rivers are our brothers; they quench our thirst.

B: The perfumed flowers are our sisters.

S: The air is precious,

B for all of us share the same breath.

S: The wind that gave our grandparents breath also receives their last sigh.

B: The wind gave our children the spirit of life.

S: This we know, the earth does not belong to us,

B: we belong to the earth.

S: This we know, all things are connected,

B: Like the blood which unites one family.

S: All things are connected.

B: Our God is the same God. Whose compassion is equal for all.

S: For we did not weave the web of life,

B: we are merely a strand in it.

S: Whatever we do to the web

B: we do to ourselves.

S: Let us give thanks for the web and the circle that connects us.

B: Thanks be to God, the God of all.

S: You’ve been listening to "Just a thought" with Seamus Madigan...

B: and Brenda Cribbin. We can be contacted through the Limerick Diocesan Offices at 66 O’Connell Street. If you would like a copy of this reflection you can download it by clicking on www.limerickdiocese.org

S: We look forward to your company next week, so in the mean-time take care...

S & B: Bye………….

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