View from the Cup and Saucer Trail
During the time we lived in Sudbury in Northern Ontario (11 years) we held a number of congregational "saunters" and information events on environmental issues. On a couple of occasions we invited Franco Mariotti, a staff scientist at the wonderful Science North to join us. He came on a climb up the Cup and Saucer Trail on Manitoulin Island with his two boys and his eyes and ears made it a memorable experience. Franco was a presenter at the Lands For Life travelling forum on public lands in the North, as was I on behalf of the Friends of Killarney Provincial Park and for the United Church.
Franco Mariotti as a Science North Blue Coat
I had coffee with Franco once where we touched on the issues of faith and care for Creation. He conceded that he had drifted away from the Roman Catholicism of his upbringing. He heard about the Creator in the liturgy but didn't experience much practical reverence for the natural world which eventually shaped his vocation. Sadly, too many others have felt the same way, regardless of denominational background.
That conversation was probably 25 years ago, or more, but I obviously haven't forgotten it. Today is Trinity Sunday, which means we acknowledge God-in-Three-Persons. "Trinity" is not a biblical term but reflects the wrestling of the early church to comprehend the God who brings all things into being, who lovingly enters into Creation in Christ, and whose breath/wind of the Spirit continues to enliven and shape us. The scripture readings are always gathered to reflect these expressions, including a Creation passage. This year is all of chapter 1 of Genesis, and a bit more.
The liturgical colour for Trinity Sunday is green and we might all ask how we will honour a "green God" today and everyday. For six days God created a world of astonishing beauty, variety, and balance, and declared delight in what was accomplished. Surely we, as Groundlings, can "live with respect in Creation" as we honour the blessed Trinity.
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