Session 1: Joyful Gratitude (for creation)

Today, ask for the grace to recognise & welcome that ‘The ultimate purpose of other creatures is not to be found in us’. (LS 83)
 
We will now hear an extract from number 83 of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’:
 
The ultimate destiny of the universe is in the fullness of God, which has already been attained by the risen Christ, the measure of the maturity of all things.[53] Here we can add yet another argument for rejecting every tyrannical and irresponsible domination of human beings over other creatures. The ultimate purpose of other creatures is not to be found in us. Rather, all creatures are moving forward with us and through us towards a common point of arrival, which is God, in that transcendent fullness where the risen Christ embraces and illumines all things. Human beings, endowed with intelligence and love, and drawn by the fullness of Christ, are called to lead all creatures back to their Creator.
 

• Try to imagine each of us finding our place in the fullness of God. What is your unique place in God’s creation? What is your ultimate purpose?
• How do you see the purpose of the living creatures and the whole world around you?
• What do you feel, as you see all created things centred on God, and not just on our needs? Are you called to let go of a way of thinking or to embrace a new one?