APRIL 20, 2006
In
communities of faith certain rites are designated as sacraments. On April 20, 1985, twenty years ago today, Katy and I participated in a sacrament called Holy Matrimony.
Today, I would like to propose the sacrament of Earth Blessing as a new one. Perhaps once a year all synagogues and churches could celebrate the gift of the Earth, the Garden of Eden on a particular day by having an Earth Blessing. Let us examine this idea in the context of sacraments.
The rite of baptism, the Eucharist and marriage in the Christian community are all considered sacraments of the church. A sacred character has been assigned to these rites; yet the original meaning taken from the Greek word mysterion means an oath of allegiance. I began thinking about this today because today is my wedding anniversary and I recall standing before friends and family and pledging my oath, my allegiance to Katy. Indeed a memorable moment in my life and all the more significant because of affirming a covenantal relationship. There is something sacred about a public, as opposed to a private, vow of commitment.
Let us go back to our new idea of a day where each of us makes a promise of a life long commitment, or covenant with the Earth. We are comfortable with the Pledge of Allegiance to our principles of democratic governance in our country. Reinforcing this commitment on a regular basis is a valid part of a citizen's responsibility.
However, I am also a world citizen, an Earth citizen if you will, and thereby pledge my support of preserving our fragile island home we call Earth. I am proposing a ritualized ceremony reflective of having a sacred character as does the breaking of bread at communion or pledging our love in marriage.
Peace and blessings to all who strive for a sacramental life and let us lobby our leadership for a sacrament for the Earth.
--Peter