Rooting in Nature and Community
How do we remind ourselves that we are all connected to each other—just as we are connected to the earth? Anna Johnson, North America Senior Program Manager of Laudato Si’ offers words of encouragement for our long and complex struggle to heal each other and our earth.
Wandering through an old-growth forest with my two-year-old daughter, our exploration comes to an abrupt halt as we examine, in wonder, the intertwined roots of neighboring cedar and maple trees exposed by erosion in the recent rainstorm. I know this tangle supports both trees with nutrients and stability, and yet I am still awe-struck each time that I can see this connection with my own eyes.
My normally busy toddler and I pause as we soak in the complexity of the growth in front of us. She pads up to the cedar, gently petting the green fuzz on the trunk, and with a giant grin, announces to the towering giants; “Moss!” She thinks for a moment, and then proclaims her new favorite word: “Alleluia!”
“My daughter does not know the science behind mycorrhizal networks, but she sure understands the need to rejoice in the beauty of creation.” — Anna Johnson
Her acclamation was a stitch mending my broken heart. I had not stopped thinking of that day’s announcement from United Nations Climate Chief Simon Stiell explaining we have only two years left to make the significant changes needed to save our world from the worst effects of climate change.
My daughter does not know the science behind mycorrhizal networks, but she sure understands the need to rejoice in the beauty of creation.
Mycorrhizae is a normally unseen root network that supports the diverse forest ecosystem. Knowing this, how dare I assume that I act in isolation; that there’s not an unseen network also supporting me? Despite all our efforts to believe otherwise, we are a part of — not apart from — God’s creation. And when I recognize that I am just a part of this web of creation, how can I help but give glory to our Creator?
“None of our actions happen in isolation from this network; everything I do either works towards our communal healing or destruction.” — Anna Johnson
Working in mobilization around the ecological crisis, remembering this is essential for me. After reading new scientific reports, I return to the woods to re-root myself; to help my broken, anxious heart return home. If I benefit from this network, I must also give back to it. None of our actions happen in isolation from this network; everything I do either works towards our communal healing or destruction. Doing so is, of course, also to give back to myself; an endlessly reciprocal relationship. It may not be through root nutrients, but I can support our shared health: of the forest, our earth, and thus my own — and my daughter’s — in turn.
Members of the Laudato Si’ Movement come together as Catholics around the world in diverse bio-regional realities to play our part in this ecological community; to care for God’s creation and achieve climate and ecological justice. The Laudato Si Animators program helps us grow as contemplatives in action: letting our hearts break examining creation’s crucifixion and stitching the pieces together with the beauty of our faith tradition and the “Gospel of Creation” (Laudato si’, Chapter 2; Burghardt). Rooted in contemplation with creation, we move forward to play our part in this stunning unfolding of the works of the Creator. In the midst of the crisis, we support each other and dream together through our communities of Circles and Chapters, and live and act as people of prophetic resurrection hope. And we invite you to join us!
In Laudate Deum, Pope Francis explained, “‘Praise God’ is the title of this letter. For when human beings claim to take God’s place, they become their own worst enemies.” And so, in knowing I am a part of God’s creation, I can discern my role to play, and to find the strength and power to move forward. Alleluia.
Reflect with Us
Do you recall a moment of encouragement when you were feeling fear? What action did you take as a result? Share your reflection with us.
Anna Johnson is the North America Senior Program Manager of Laudato Si’. Anna has an Executive Master’s degree in Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University and currently lives in the Seattle area.
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