Today, the first day in the Season of Creation marks an important moment in the Church's annual observance of prayer and care for creation. We are mindful of the creative power of God in creating all that is seen and unseen. Christ, the eternal Word through whom all things were made, has entered creation to redeem, sanctify and bring it to its fulfilment.
In the celebration of the Eucharist we return
thanks for all that we are and have. Not
just that, but we are united in a mysterious way with Heaven and Earth in one
single chant of praise, adoration and thanksgiving. Immersed in the universe we are joining a
chorus that lifts up the world.
Over a century ago, a French priest, Fr PierreTeilhard de Chardin (1881-1955) wrote a short and remarkable piece of work entitled The Mass on the World. Finding himself in the Ordos desert in Mongolia, in 1923 without bread, wine or altar, Fr Teilhard de Chardin was moved to write this piece that captures his mystical and scientific insights into a beautiful piece of prose. As a Jesuit priest, scientist, paleontologist, philosopher, mystic and teacher he was able to bring a unique synthesis of insight in a unity that stretches our understanding and concepts.
