John Scotus Eriugena was a Celtic monk, a theologian, a philosopher and a poet who died in 877. His main point was that the scriptures do not exclusively tell the story of God, but that the story of God is also to be found in the beauty of creation that is constantly unfolding. For John Scotus both go hand in hand, almost like stereo sound. If we listen to scripture only, we are missing out and if we listen just to creation we are also falling short.

This year is the 5th anniversary of Pope Francis’s letter on the environment called ‘Laudato Si’. When it was released it got glowing reviews not just in the Christian community but beyond as well. At its heart is a deep appreciation of the natural world, that grew out of a belief that all creation came not out of a void of nothingness but out of the substance of God.

This ‘new story’ is exciting and refreshing because it means God’s presence is to be found everywhere. It is little wonder that many find gardening an enjoyable, refreshing and uplifting spiritual experience. Christine Sine puts it well when she says: “It seems to me that gardening is one of the most profound acts of worship and prayer we can engage in. No matter how small our garden plot, gardening can foster a lived spirituality that can be a source of joy and blessing in our lives.”

One of the most beautiful and well known parables of Jesus featured in our Gospel last Sunday and that is the parable of the sower. Jesus was always so in touch with nature, with farming, with creation and with the people all around him.

The parable of the sower reminds me of the beautiful saying: “Don’t judge your day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.” From a spiritual point of view we are so grateful for the variety of seeds that we can sow. So whether it is just one tiny seed or many, cherish and celebrate the seed you sow each day.


Thought For The Week is updated each Monday