St Bonaventure, one of the great Franciscan teachers whose feast we celebrate this month, taught that "creation is the first book of revelation" and that we would do well to "read" it as God's inspiration and the Creator's way of drawing us into deeper relationship with the Divine.
Connecting with God through Nature
Consider how many times Jesus also used images of creation in his parables to help his hearers better understand God's designs. His reverence for and appreciation of all life is so apparent in the Scriptures! Did you ever notice the number of times in scripture that Jesus does his praying outdoors? I suspect it was most of the time. Summertime is a good time to do just that - and probably early in the morning and later in the evening is best given the heat index these days!
Jesus taught that in prayer it was not necessary to use many words, but simply to open your heart to God. Notice the swaying of the tree in a breeze and ask for the gift of flexibility to meet your day. Be aware of the gentle opening of flowers, a little at a time, and learn the patience of God and the beauty of our Creator's designs with a closer look. Take time to watch a sunset, and as dusk approaches let it be a time of letting go - and entrusting all that heavies your heart to 
our provident and forgiving God. Take time to enjoy the gradual lighting up of the nighttime sky - a wonderful chance to awaken a deeper trust in the One who holds us all. Kids love to try finding the constellations too and learning the legends that accompany them.
With the recession making traveling vacations non-existent or much shorter than usual we are fortunate to have many city and county parks nearby. In my hikes of late I've noticed many families on the paths too, discovering and learning as they go, and talking to each other without the interference of cell phones! Some travel the path with a trash bag in hand as good Scouts - "always leaving the place better than we found it."
Yes, the grass will still need cutting and the gardens weeding, but don't forget to allow time to just BE in the midst of our Creator's masterpieces that we so often take for granted!
Homeless - Will Work for Food
It
seems that more and more of our brothers and sisters are dotting the corners of our city streets, even in more affluent neighborhoods, asking for our help. Perhaps you are like me and hesitant to give money that might help feed a destructive addiction. Perhaps you've also struggled with unemployment and the need to take a lower paying and more demanding job to make ends meet. Having had this experience you may also feel more empathy for those who fall between the cracks. Eventhough I am among the parish volunteers at Tender Mercies Shelter in OTR on a weekly basis I've still found myself wanting to do something more.
Now I watch for sales on small easy-to-open cans of meat/turns, boxes of raisins, fruit drink pouches, crackers, etc. I make up a small lunch to keep under my driver's seat, ready to share with someone in need on the roadside. Inside I also list the address and phone Number of Tender Mercies (25 W. 12th St) where they might find help or at least the support they need to find lodging and food. It's not much, but I hope the brief human connection of care that accompanies it might bring some hope and a deeper sense of their dignity as a person.
Raised with that good old German work ethic, I used to believe that many just didn't try hard enough, but my years at Tender Mercies and getting to know many of the residents and their stories have nudged me into a more realistic and compassionate attitude. God knew I needed a conversion! Interested in helping to make meals and/or serve them call Joan at 242-4113, or to assist with the weekly arts and crafts program, Wednesdays, 1-3pm call Sr. Ann at 242-2766. You need not be an accomplished cook, artist, seamstress or carpenter! What is most needed are words of encouragement and a listening ear.
Fun-Fundraiser for the Sierra Club
Founded by one of our country's greatest environmentalists, John Muir, the Sierra Club is one 
of our country's oldest and still most effective voices on care of the environment. They also have many local chapters that are quite active, and Cincinnati is no exception.
In Cincinnati we are known as the Miami Group.
Mark your calendar for Sunday, August 1, noon to 5:00 pm for a unique fundraiser at Spring Grove Cemetery. It will feature 3 self-guided walks (history, health and an arboretum), silent auctions, items for purchase, games of kids, etc. If you want to volunteer to help with the day contact Doug Bell at
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Next month: The St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation
Sustainable Living
St. Clement's Efforts to be Energy Efficient