The Earth Means the World to Me

Sister M. St. Anthony Chrzanak
May 2, 2018
Sr. Clara Kabick
May 22, 2018
Sister M. St. Anthony Chrzanak
May 2, 2018
Sr. Clara Kabick
May 22, 2018

By Sister Sharon Havelak, OSF 

Wish I could say I coined the title of this article. But as soon as I saw it as a chapter title in one of Fr. John Dear’s books, it struck a chord with me. The environment‘s been on my mind lately – a lot.

I spent Lent this year meeting weekly with three other Sisters. Challenged by the articles we read in the Lent 4.5 program, we struggled to come to terms with what it means to live simply in today’s world. The magnitude of changes we face made us resolve to keep on challenging ourselves, to make a difference to our Earth, to make a difference for the poor.

Early in April, I heard Fr. John Dear speak on the Beatitudes, explaining how a stance of nonviolence is essential to the survival of our Earth. I’ve reflected with various friends on who we’re called to be, what we’re called to do, how we can journey with others towards healing.

Preparing for an Earth Day Prayer Service, I watched video after video on what plastic is doing to our oceans and the animal life that lives there. The tremendous amount of garbage that is floating – and will continue to float for hundreds of years – was sobering.

And then spring came.

After miserable March weather and an even more miserable April, we are treated to sunshine and warmth and blue skies, green grass, flowers and flowering trees – a dazzling spectacle. It’s been an absolute delight for the senses.

Through it all, I keep remembering a statement made many years ago. At a conference, the speaker, John Schramm, said that every morning he’s unsure of what he’s supposed to do. His morning newspaper reminds him what a terrible world we live in, filled with violence, greed, pollution. But, as he looks out his window, he sees so much beauty around him. Is he supposed to save the world? Or savor the world? How do we live the tension between the two?

As I drink in the beauty around me, I’m reminded of my responsibility. If the gifts of our Earth bring me great healing and confirmation of the incredible love and presence of our God, visible in creation, am I not called to bring healing to our troubled world?

Sister Sharon Havelak

Justice and Peace

Sister Sharon is an artist, educator and long-time peace activist, who currently oversees All Good Things, a store/gallery/gift shop featuring art by the Sisters, handmade soaps and lotions, and Fair Trade products.*

She also serves as the coordinator of the Sylvania Franciscan’s Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation efforts, and teaches art history at Lourdes University. She keeps her creative juices flowing by painting on silk scarves.
* All Good Things gallery is located in our Sylvania Franciscan Village and many of the items are sold on our website.

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Sister Mary Thill
5 years ago

Thanks for reminding us to savor the world as we go about saving the world.

Sister Maria Pacelli
5 years ago

Sharon, thank you for a beautiful reflection. As I walk our campus I thank God for the beauty of creation and ask forgiveness for our abuse of His gift. Hopefully I’ll take my personal responsibly seriously.

Sister Ann Lorette
5 years ago

It indeed is a challenge to take responsibility for caring for our earth. NOW. We have no choice!

Shannon Schrein
5 years ago

Great Blog, Sharon! Well done.

Sister Irenaeus
5 years ago

Sister Sharon, thank you so much for your thoughts you have reflected on and voiced so strongly. As I read your words, it has given me a new incite to reflect on the beauty of all that is around and take for granted at times.. Our campus is so beautiful at this time of year. It is a place to meditate and reflect God’s goodness to us in all of His creation. A good reflection for me today: how do I bring healing to the world and those around me?

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