By Catherine Regan, Mercy Associate
Coming home from the Mercy Eco-retreat, these words of Thomas Berry are ringing in my ears and in my heart:
“All human institutions, programs and activities must now be judged primarily by the extent to which they inhibit, ignore or foster a mutually-enhancing human-earth relationship.”
I attended the week with the intention and hope of being more deeply converted to the reality of our oneness with Earth and more committed to responding to Earth’s cry for Mercy. This has happened. Now the questions are: what shape will my own response take and what will help us mobilize as the Mercy Community of sisters, associates, and companions to live into our mission statement?
These questions are multi-layered and call for reflection, dialogue, and action on many levels. A small immediate one for me: I was stunned to learn that 200 million tons of synthetic chemicals are finding their way into our water, soil, and air every year! They are toxic and damage earth’s capacity to support life. I am finally choosing to use only non-toxic products!
Study. Speak. Act. This is how I’m feeling called. Aware that I have so much to learn, study has once again become a priority in my life – this time in service of Earth. My natural desire to pass on what I learn can be offered as well, whenever and wherever an opportunity to speak and share presents itself. And finally, I will weigh my actions – as a citizen and as a consumer against Thomas Berry’s guidelines.
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