Thomas Berry was a Passionist priest and scholar dedicated to the care of creation, which we remember this season, September 1- October 4. In the video above he describes the simple, moving experience of a meadow he had as a child, an experience that influenced all his later scholarly work and reflections.
This season, let’s look at the gifts of creation around us, the water we drink, the food we eat, the trees, flowers and plants around us, and ask them to speak to us. As Pope Francis says: “The simple gifts of creation have a value in and of themselves and each one reflects in its own way a ray of God’s infinite wisdom and goodness. Its value and ray of divine light must be discovered and to discover it, we need to be silent, we need to listen, and we need to contemplate. Contemplation heals the soul.”
In the Eucharist we take bread and wine into our hands and bless God for the whole of creation they represent.They become our spiritual food and drink.The celebration of the Eucharist in the Season of Creation is a good time to deepen our vision and visit our brothers and sisters of creation in the light of this mystery.
The Victor's Place 
Dear Father Victor, What a beautiful reflection on Thomas Berry and his Meadow! It makes me sad to think about why is it that sometimes we appreciate our meadows only after they’ve been destroyed and no longer exist. Sometimes it is only then that we most remember their beauty in our lives. That is why it is so necessary to serve and care for creation now and not wait for later. In this season of creation, as I receive the Eucharist, I will contemplate how I can stand in silence in order to listen to the groans of creation and do my part so that it may thrive. Thank you, dear Father Victor, for always helping us put thought into action.
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We have no meadow to run through,
No floral beds to marvel at.
Yet this urban setting gifts us.
We are located in a Maple grove,
Century old trees surround us,
Perform large, green leaf dances,
Without our asking at no cost.
Filling the air with oxygen,
Providing shade in Summer,
Changing colors in Fall.
Tall strong trunks, skyward branches,
Deep roots underground.
May God’s gift of maples,
Oaks as well as other trees,
Receive respect and protection,
From human beings everywhere.
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