“For the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” (Romans 8:22)
Where should God's people seek guidance in this age? They found the answer in the Lord's words: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) Jesus laid His hands on each person suffering from various illnesses, healing them. He proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom of God and then departed for another town to fulfill His mission. (cf. Luke 4:40-43)
He did not stop at external healing but proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom of God, leading all creation toward salvation. In Ecological Spirituality Friendship Education, the friendship formed with all creatures, dreams of a universal salvation that restores a beautiful world by respecting the unique place and role of every creature, sharing love, and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.
Children cultivate ecological sensitivity by forming friendships with nature as it changes with the seasons. They read stories and share each other's lives. Even on rainy days, children go for walks, expressing the reality and mystery that enters their small eyes poetically.
“Trees drink the rain / Where do raindrops on grass slide down the blades go? / Thank you, rain! For cooling us and watering the plants...”
When they encounter earthworms or insects that emerge from the ground during rain only to dry and die, they bury them with care and a heavy heart, opening their eyes to the realities of life and death. Becoming friends with trees allows one to feel the pain they endure as they shed their bark, a process that often accompanies the blooming of beautiful flowers in a warm spring after a cold winter.
“Tree! Wasn't winter terribly cold? Thank you so much for enduring hardship and blooming such lovely flowers for us to see. I'll learn from your warm courage,” reading the tree's toil, feeling gratitude, and cherishing this time of love.
Gardening is a precious learning space where, from the moment seeds meet soil before planting through to harvest, one discovers encounters, care, and the providence of the universe through God's love amidst diverse stories. This connects to the ‘field of the heart’ and the ‘seed of the heart,’ allowing one to glimpse and touch the unseen realm, reaching transcendence.
Objects that share our living space also become precious friends. We recognize the gratitude they offer us in their place, treat them kindly, and build friendships. Meditation through objects deepens our connection, leading to reflection on wasteful consumption habits, reducing trash, and cultivating the habit of respecting everything by keeping it in its proper place.
The heart that befriends and cherishes nature and its objects also connects with people. Hearts open toward you, me, and the poor, enabling willing participation in solidarity activities. We encounter God in all things, dream of cosmic salvation, and sow seeds of life.
