Is there anything, in fact, more joyful than the countryside, or much richer than nature, especially when the soul, that is as religious as it is sensitive, discovers, in every leaf and on the wing of each atom, the great name of the Eternal One.
Letter to Adolphe Tavernier, 12 October 1819, O.W. XV n.151
“Nature teaches more than she preaches. There are no sermons in stones. It is easier to get a spark out of a stone than a moral.” John Burroughs
It has only been in the past 5 or so years that I can say that I have truly appreciated nature, or perhaps more accurately to say that I have become aware of the incredible beauty of God’s creation. I always thought nature was beautiful and even sometimes awesome and inspiring – and if I thought of it I might quickly in passing say thank you to God. But that was always a separate thing. It was not something connected – to nature – to God – to me.
However to be able to find and see the glory of God in all of creation is such a gift, one that fills me with awe and gratitude. To be able to reach out and be in touch with all of life, particularly nature is a gift beyond measure. Eugene said “especially when the soul, that is as religious as it is sensitive, discovers, in every leaf and on the wing of each atom, the great name of the Eternal One” and I can so relate to that. I have created an active desktop for my computer (which is on for most of each weekday at least) which is a series of photos of nature which I or someone I know has taken and which contains a short phrase/prayer. These photos help to root me and keep me focussed on what matters, they draw me back. Eugene speaks of the great name of the Eternal One on the wing of each atom and even that begs me to step back for a second and ponder – so eloquent and inviting. For me it like stepping back into the arms of God.
I was really blown away by this reading today.
I even went to the lettres of St. Eugene and read it in entirety.
As on Oblate who has been studying and trying to live a “light green” life
this writing speaks of the contemplative and sensitive heart of Eugene. How he must have longed to get out the hot city of Marseilles and simply walk through the fields of wild flowers. And I know he did, for his speech is on of experience.
Also to sense the period of time. And though French Impressionist’s was not at its heights , I can feel it in his words and in his heart. Thanks Frank