#greenanglicans #carbonfastforlent Hildegard of Bingen, was one of the “great creation-centered mystics of the West.” This multitalented and prolific abbess of a Benedictine abbey was an influential preacher, healer, scientist, composer, theologian, artist, and poet. She coined the term “viriditas”, or greening power, connecting it closely with creativity. Here is a selection of her sayings for you to reflect on today: “The Word is living, being, spirit, all verdant greening, all creativity. This Word manifests itself in every creature.” “God is the good and all things which proceed from him are good.” ” The earth is at the same time mother, She is mother of all that is natural, mother of all that is human. She is the mother of all, for contained in her are the seeds of all.” “The truly holy person welcomes all that is earthly.” “Glance at the sun. See the moon and the stars. Gaze at the beauty of earth’s greenings. Now, think. What delight God gives to humankind with all these things. . . . All nature is at the disposal of humankind. We are to work with it. For without we cannot survive.” “Trust shows the way.” “God hugs you. You are encircled by the arms of the mystery of God.” “Good People, most royal greening verdancy, rooted in the sun, you shine with radiant light.” “Now in the people that were meant to be green there is no more life of any kind. There is only shriveled barrenness. The winds are burdened by the utterly awful stink of evil, selfish goings-on. Thunderstorms menace. The air belches out the filthy uncleanliness of the peoples. The earth should not be injured! The earth must not be destroyed!” ” ‘With my mouth,’ God says, ‘I kiss my own chosen creation. I uniquely, lovingly, embrace every image I have made out of the earth’s clay. With a fiery spirit I transform it into a body to serve all the world.’” “Humankind, full of all creative possibilities, is God’s work. Humankind alone is called to assist God. Humankind is called to co-create. With nature’s help, humankind can set into creation all that is necessary and life-sustaining.” “All of creation God gives to humankind to use. If this privilege is misused, God’s justice permits creation to punish humanity.” As we reflect on these beautiful words of Hildegarde, let us also be challenged – how do we bring elements of creation into our spiritual practice and worship space? Quotes from Matthew Fox’s Original Blessing.
