Recognizing God’s Grace
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Father Richard, drawing on the wisdom of Scripture and tradition, urges respect and recognition of God’s presence in the natural world:
Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274), a Doctor of the Church, wrote: “Grace does not destroy nature, but perfects it.” [1] Grace brings nature to a sense of its own sanctity, and it evokes this sacredness within the human heart.
This is the reason St. Francis could speak of animals as “brother” and “sister.” This manifold and diverse world is held together in a uni-verse, which means a reality turning around one thing. Our common name for that one thing is “God,” but the word is not necessary to appreciate the reality. Aquinas explained this theologically; Francis knew it experientially.
Aquinas continues with “The whole universe in its wholeness more perfectly shares in and represents the divine goodness than any one creature by itself.” [2] Paul said the same thing long before Aquinas: “What can be known about God is perfectly plain, since God has made it plain. Ever since God created the world, God’s everlasting power and divinity, however invisible, has been there for the mind to see in the things that God has made” (Romans 1:19–20).
How could humans think we were the only or even the main event? Not only did we think that Earth was the center of the universe; we were certain our human species was the only one that God really cared about. All of creation was just a stage set for the human drama. Normally that is called narcissism. We extracted the soul from everything else. Nature was simply here for our utilitarian purpose, to be used for our consumption. With this belief system, we entered into a state of profound alienation from our own surroundings. We no longer belonged to this world because there was nothing worth belonging to. It was no longer naturally sacred, deserving our reverence or respect. We could rape, plunder, and misuse the earth. We could torture animals and destroy ecosystems because we thought they had no inherent value. We acted as though we were fully in charge.
Every day we have opportunities to reconnect with God through an encounter with nature, whether an ordinary sunrise, a starling on a power line, a tree in a park, or a cloud in the sky. This spirituality doesn’t depend on education or belief. It almost entirely depends on our capacity for simple presence. Often those without formal education and “unbelievers” do this better than many educated, religious people. I have met many like this who put me to shame.
_________________________________________________________
Sarah Young Jesus Calling
Jesus Calling: April 23rd
Keep your eyes on Me, not only for direction but also for empowerment. I never lead you to do something without equipping you for the task. That is why it’s so important to seek My will in everything you do. There are many burned out Christians who think more is always better, who deem it unspiritual to say no.
In order to know My will, you must spend time with Me–enjoying My Presence. This is not an onerous task but a delightful privilege. I will show you the path of Life; in My Presence is fullness of Joy; at My right hand are pleasures forevermore.
RECOMMENDED BIBLE VERSES:
Psalm 141:8 NLT
8 I look to you for help, O Sovereign LORD. You are my refuge; don’t let them kill me.
Psalm 16:11 (NLT)
11 You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Additional insight regarding Psalm 16: 8-11: This psalm (16:10 – “For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.”) is often called the messianic psalm because it is quoted in the New Testament as referring to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Both Peter and Paul quoted from this psalm when speaking of Christ’s bodily resurrection (see Acts 2:25-28, 31; 13:35-37).
