Stewards of the Body
To stay in shape is
a passion for me. Physically, I enjoy swimming, running, walking on the beach and
walking the streets of Rome.
I try to swim two
to three days each week at the 50 meter pool at Mayport naval Air Station which
lies on the corner of the entrance to the St. John's River
and the Atlantic Ocean. The swim usually
consists of 16 full laps for a mile or 20 full laps to complete all 20
Mysteries of the Rosary. It takes me about 40 minutes and really prepares me to
be strong physically and emotionally. Each lap takes about two minutes and so I
have a two minute spiritual exercise. As I glide though the water, I take in
the glisten of water, the sun or rain, the smells of manmade things and things
very natural.
Beloved, in order to be a good steward of creation, we must
be able to get up, get out and look around. Take a walk around your
neighborhood and notice how many different kinds of life there are. Look for
birds and insects and crawly things. Delight in people and dogs and cats. Allow
the colors of fall to expand our minds and hearts until they burst with
gratitude.
During September and October, the weather is gorgeous, and
reminds me of summers in New England. During
my walks on the beach, I am reminded of autumn. On the beach, our leaves
consist of abundant seaweed with all the wonderful and tiny sea creatures
battling to survive the surf, the birds and the crabs. Fall is a wonderful time
for the observant.
Last Friday, while I was swimming and meditating it came to
me that one needs to be in good physical shape to do the will and pleasure of
God. Let me explain. Jesus called the fishermen and they had to leave a very
physically demanding career for an even more physically demanding career. You
have to be in physical shape to keep up with Jesus. They walked many miles day
after day. They were really hungry when they were able to eat. And eventually
they needed to carry their own cross. Would you be ready to run to the tomb
early tomorrow morning? How about the women who ran from the tomb to tell
everyone about the angel and the empty tomb?
Last year I had the opportunity of attending a ranch in Honduras that
prepared a lamb from start to finish. We call Jesus the Lamb of God. The two
men, father and son, who prepared the lamb with great reverence had to be quite
fit to do this. So often, I take for granted the animals that sacrifice their
lives for me. Because we have not observed these "rituals" we tend to waste and
not appreciate our world and all the living creatures.
Lately, in my observing and attempting to be a better
steward of creation, I have come to even appreciate a mosquito. How did God do
it? Wow! In Haiti, they have a proverb, "If a mosquito piddles in the ocean, the
water rises."
Let us love all creatures, aspects, and breath of this
incredible creation of love, Planet Earth and Our Universe!
Have a wonderful month.
Love, joy, peace,
Father Ron Moses +
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