Ecological Conversion means a lot more than feeling spiritually good about the natural world. It is more than recycling and lifestyle adjustments, or an accommodation to the green movement. Conversion involves a radical change in consciousness about how we relate to ourselves, our world, and our God. A major underlying motivation is to protect creation for the good of all, especially the alienated poor of the Earth, and future generations.
Reverence for the Earth implies a sacred place to dwell with a vital story to tell. A sense of integrity elicits the stories that inspire and affirm us. We ponder God’s sustaining presence. We identify how we belong. We acknowledge the wisdom and experience of our ancestors. Responses are no longer left to the small minority who call the shots. Imaginative alternative approaches emerge to solve the human predicament.
A good beginning for each of us is to relate the Earth and its inhabitants in every consideration of economics, energy, trade, politics and development. Each of us can be responsible for the manner in which we use the resources of creation. A sure sign of hope in our world is the quest for spiritual, intellectual and emotional support in nourishing the Earth in alternative ways. A faith perspective makes a difference and is an added source of hope. There are benefits when we engage the universe, the planet, land and seas, in terms of God’s creation.
Fr Michael Gormly SSC is based at St Columbans, Lower Hutt, New Zealand.
