On October 5, 2009 on our way home from Vermont we stopped in Hyde Park, NY. We had several reasons for stopping, but I had one personal desire and that was to visit the grave of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. This desire stemmed from my increasing awareness that he was one of the first "saints" who awakened me to the nature of the universe, the sacredness of all creation and the profound need to integrate this knowledge into daily living. As the years unfolded others left their imprint, Aldo Leopold, Loren Eisley, Rachel Carson, Thomas Berry, to name only a few.
From age 25 to 62 I was pretty much unconscious. I was busy with family, career and keeping my head above water. I had fortunately integrated much of their teaching into my life but I am ashamed to say without honoring my mentors or I fear even acknowledging their influence. I think sometimes I might even have considered my concern for the environment, healthy eating, support of local food production, recycling, you name it, to have been from my own brilliance. When I felt like a lonely voice railing against consumerism I failed to connect my concern with the fruits of wisdom I had acquired in my reading years.
This All Saints, All Souls I want to honor those who formed me (and many others) by their scholarship, passion and tireless work to protect and preserve our universe. They have left us with knowledge, insight and vision to guide our future. They have guided and inspired those who will continue to challenge us.
As I stood in the twilight beside the grave of Teilhard de Chardin I was blessed by the beauty that surrounded me. Tucked away on the grounds of the CIA the cemetery is nestled in a peaceful wooded setting overlooking the Hudson River. I felt a profound sense of communion not only with the spirit of Chardin, but with others who had visited and left small tokens of grateful respect. One made a deep connection with me, and it is fitting that I close with this image on this day - the chambered nautilus. The spiral of life.
Simeon the New Theologian wrote: "The saints in each generation are joined to those who have gone before, and are filled like them with light to become a golden chain in which each saint is a separate link, united to the next by faith, works and love."
I remember also on this day Thomas Berry who died this year, may his "Great Work" continue.
A few lines from "Autumn Evening Psalm" printed in the Fall Forest letter of Shantivanam http://www.shantivanam.com/
Wrapping this day with prayer,
may I rest in peace with you,
a dress rehearsal for the deepest sleep of peace,
eternal rest.
