Brad Rozairo, OMI – Nature is a source of beauty and inspiration that expresses God’s wonderful work of creation. It is also a place for rest and healing. Some people go on walks in nature to engage the senses and connect their spirits to nature. Others go into the woods for bird watching or photographing nature to pause and take in the beauty of creation. Taking time to look at and appreciate creation is a good thing to do; it makes us feel the closeness of God.
Japanese have reverence for natural life which enables them to coexist with nature. Shintoism, known as Japan’s indigenous religion emphasizes the sacredness of nature. It recognizes every phenomenon in nature as a manifestation of the kami (god/gods). In other words, sacred powers within nature. This is reflected in Japanese gardens where thoughtful placement of natural elements such as rocks, plants, water, sand etc. create a balance that invites people to connect with the spiritual essence of nature. Japanese gardens provide a tranquil space that can evoke a feeling of peace for visitors. For me, one such garden is the Zen garden of Ryoan-ji (Rock Garden) in Kyoto. The whole atmosphere around the most celebrated garden is so peaceful and intended for quiet solitary contemplation. But, sadly some visitors and tour groups make this an impossibility and show disrespect for sacred space. However, the garden continues to reveal the simplicity and harmony of the principles of Zen meditation and brings healing to people.
During my sabbatical in San Antonio, Texas, I was in a place surrounded by nature. Whether you go to the rectory for meals, to the chapel for prayers or daily walks, there is always an opportunity offered to soak in the beauty of creation and connect with the Creator. In the vicinity, there is a beautiful grotto with trees around it and a green pathway that leads to the Stations of the Cross. In going to the campus for classes I used to pass this beautiful area. A gaze at the greens of the trees and the squirrels running around, the singing of the birds and the breeze through the trees make you feel relaxed. In this sacred space, there sits a beautiful piece of sculpture (below) that attracts many because it gives hope, consolation and healing. The sculpture celebrates the preciousness and sanctity of human life. It speaks to the healing hope that Christ’s compassion, tender gaze and touch engender for all who have lost children of any age. As you can see, a woman seated next to Jesus is in grief due to the loss of her child. Jesus, holding the dead baby in his hand consoles the mother. The journey of life may take different turns, but it is in the relationship with Jesus Christ that we find the strength to face and bear pain, suffering and hardships. Our Lord brings comfort to souls so that we get refreshed as we continue to walk the journey of life with hope.
We live in a very busy world that does not easily allow us to be away from all the man-made stuff and get around the world of nature where God wants to meet us. Going back to my sabbatical in San Antonio, I recall a talk on the universe and the integrity of creation, after which we were asked to take a ‘contemplative walk’. It was an occasion to encounter God and listen to Him in what I saw and experienced. I was reminded of what St. Paul says in Romans 1:20 – in nature the invisible God becomes visible. John Muir, also known as the “Father of the National Parks” said that when you go out into nature, it’s like going to church to listen to sermons. There you will find sermons that are written on the stones, in the animals and the trees. And, if we know how to listen, we are going to see the invisible God being made visible.
An exposure to nature is a wonderful reminder of how God wants to meet us in and through His creation. Therefore, let us always look for a sacred space nature provides, not only to relax and enjoy its beauty but also to connect with God and feel the closeness of the Creator of the universe.
