My Perspective: A moment of grace

by Betty Daugherty, FSPA

Betty Daugherty, FSPA

In my office at Prairiewoods, I’ve kept a gift from a friend on my desk now for over three years. The gift is a simple card featuring some whimsical art and an unusual message. My friend framed this card and gave it to me for some occasion I no longer remember. I keep it for the message which I find to be both mysterious and challenging. It reads:

In my dream, the angel
shrugged and said,
If we fail this time,
it will be a failure of imagination,
and then she placed the world
gently in the palm of my hand.

What can we do with such words? What do I do with them? They offer me a daily summons, maybe even a dare. Will I, will any of us, have the imagination needed to ward off the failure of not caring for this Earth?

Yes, along with millions of other people, I have a great concern that we not fail the Earth as we move out of the last 67 million years of the Cenozoic Era and enter into a new era which Father Thomas Berry has named the Ecozoic. In this new era, humans and the Earth will have a mutually enhancing relationship. We will understand how to live more creatively and less destructively in our world.

Prairiewoods Spirituality Center

Berry, a cultural historian who calls himself a geologian rather than a theologian, is the author of a number of books and co-author of the book The Universe Story. His work is distinguished by his presentation of the significance of what he calls the New Story, which tells both our evolutionary history and human history.

This New Story develops within us a profound sense of the mystery of our existence and the wonders of the world around us. Berry believes that it is only in this story that the human race will find the mythic vision that will carry us safely through this dangerous time in history. The New Story, told now by writers, poets, dancers, storytellers and artists of all kinds, stimulates our imaginations and draws forth the creativity and commitment we need at this moment. It is this story of our common origin that lays the basis for all actions for justice and work for peace.

The FSPA community has already made a commitment through one of the directional statements chosen at our last major gathering. We agreed that as Franciscans we would commit ourselves to “nurture cosmic awareness.” And I believe we are doing that in many ways.

In community conversations and publications, through ritual and art, the sense of cosmic awareness emerges. This is heartening, since though my own imaginative powers may easily fail, I have many times experienced the deep well of creativity and resourcefulness that emerges through common efforts.

I also take heart from the increased interest in sustainable living I see among friends and acquaintances. Then too, the wide variety of new and excellent publications on the market is proof that sustainability and other environmental concerns are gaining attention.

As we try to understand the meaning of entering the Ecozoic Era, I recall that Thomas Berry has also reminded us that in the history of the universe there have been many great transformations which he has named as moments of grace. These were such crucial times as the birth of our solar system in the collapse of an ancient star, the first moment of life on Earth, the emergence of life from the sea to land, the occasion when the first humans stood erect. These were some of the many major and original transitions that made very thing that followed to be possible. And they were entirely beyond the power of any human imagination.

Something vital is happening now. We are challenged to enter into a relationship with the world around us, allowing its mystery and wonder to enhance our imaginations and teach us how to live.

The card on my desk keeps reminding me. A moment of grace is about to happen.