April 22, 2021
It’s Earth Day. I love this earth and its beauty. I understand the bumper sticker that has a picture of the earth and the caption “I’m With Her.” But, Mother Earth is also fraught with peril.
Earlier this week a West Yellowstone backcountry fishing guide was mauled and killed by a grizzly bear. The bear was guarding a moose carcass. When the game wardens came to investigate, the grizzly charged the wardens, who were forced to shoot and kill the bear. It’s not the bear’s fault. It’s not the guide’s fault. It’s not the wardens’ fault. It is just the way it is.
But not the way it will be. Isaiah prophesies about the restoration of all the earth and all that is therein. “In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all.” (Isaiah 11:6)
Amen to that.
“We give you thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of the earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains, and rivers; for the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers. We praise you for these good gifts, and pray that we may safeguard them for our posterity. Grant that we may continue to grow in our grateful enjoyment of your abundant creation, to the honor and glory of your Name, now and for ever. Amen.” (For the Beauty of the Earth – BCP p. 840)
