Nature provides us with a never-ending source of imagery for the Divine. Whether it’s adapting ancient words, like St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Sun, or writing new poetry, when we want to express awe or humility or deep connection, we look for those evocations in the natural world. Naturalist and explorer John Muir beautifully expresses this source of inspiration in his little poem “A Summer Reflection”:
I only went out for a walk
and finally concluded to stay out
until sundown,
for going out,
I found,
was really going in.
Let us celebrate the life of Francis of Assisi who loved all of creation. With him, let us give thanks for:
Brother Sun, who brings the day; and who radiates the divine. He is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor
As I step outside a crystal-clear night awaits me
Star gazing’s my passion and the sky views are free
My eyes cut a sliver of the lighted moon for your glory
I watch the darkness clear the sky for stars
Standing in the silent sound of your name
I claim this sand for your kingdom
