Living Into The Label

[Note: Today’s guest blog is written by Michael Stachura. Michael and his wife, Allyson, have been members of Spiritus for 10 years. He says, “we try to live a Mother Earth friendly lifestyle including managing our multi-acre veg and flower gardens in Honeoye Falls chemical free while providing  a healthy habitat for butterflies, pollinators and birds.” Thanks for your contribution today, Michael!]

Lately I have been reflecting on labels, and how we name things and people to give them meaning.  For example, am I a follower of Jesus just because I call myself one?

In today’s gospel (Jn 8), Jesus said to the people, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”.  They answered him that, as descendants of Abraham, they are already free.  Jesus replies “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works of Abraham.”

Jesus is calling them out.  He’s telling them “you call yourself children of Abraham” but are clearly not living as Abraham would call you to live.

This scripture passage speaks strongly to me.  

I recently joined the Spiritus Mother Earth Ministry and I find myself more focused on environmental issues.  For me, Mother Earth is a gift from God, and care for her is part of my spiritual journey.  You might even say part of my prayer life.

But what does it mean to label myself as one who cares for Mother Earth? What does this require of me? 

Like is that organic tomato better than a non-organic?

Is the renewable energy option from my utility better than the other choices? 

When I let my car idle in the driveway in the winter so it’s warm when I enter, am I really caring for mother earth?

When I use disposable dishes and plasticware at a gathering just because it is easy, is my behavior consistent with the label I give myself as environmentally responsible?

Labeling myself as one who cares might require that I do more work to find these answers.

Lent is a time of self-reflection, in part, to look at the labels we have given ourselves and to assess how consistent our actions might be with what we profess to be. And while it is probably not black and white process (do I love Mother Earth or not!), we are invited to think more deeply about the consistency of our responses with what we profess.

In the first reading from Daniel (Ch 3), King Nebuchadnezzar orders Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 3 faithful Jewish men, to worship his golden idols or face death in his white hot furnace.  They are faithful to God and are thus cast into the furnace.  But they are unhurt, and Nebuchadnezzar observes they are joined by the son of God who delivered them from harm.

King Nebuchadnezzar witnesses that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are followers of God by their actions, not their labels.  They walk the talk as followers of God and God saves them from the fires of the furnace. 

Walking the talk.

The huge challenges of our climate situation can seem overwhelming.  Perhaps as overwhelming as the fiery furnace faced by Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  Yet my faith calls me to walk the talk with environmental responsibility and make every little decision count.  The challenge is huge, and may even seem impossible at times. Yet if we trust in God in whom all things are possible (Mt 19), then we will surely be accompanied by God in the midst of our efforts.

What might be one thing you can do today that helps you align more with what you profess?

Note: The Spiritus Mother Earth Ministry is holding a retreat Wednesday April 24^th from 7:00 to 9:00PM in the Nielsen Room (and online).  Everyone is invited to join us for an evening where spiritual enrichment and environmental awareness intersect.