The Body of God


In her book The Body of God and Ecological Spirituality, Theologian Sally McFague describes creation as the Body of God. We tend to think that God is out there somewhere invisible and untouchable, yet actually he is here in the reindeer, the elm tree, and the girl next door. God is resplendent in all the myriad species of creation.

When we pray to God, we can meditate on any of God’s creatures, relishing the shape, color, and majesty of their being. This is hard to do if the creature is violent or unappealing or misshapen. We have to get our mind or soul around the idea that every being has to be perfect to lead us to God.  The Body of God is varicolored and multi-shaped, something like an enormous zentangle (a configurated art design). In a sense we are surrounded by God since God is all in all.

As we rest in the comforting realization that the Body of God surrounds us, and that God rejoices in being close to his creatures, we become more aware of the need to protect and care for all of creation. Ecological spirituality means seeing the sacredness of all creation, from tiny insects to overpowering mountains. It means not polluting oceans, not wasting water, not corrupting the beauty of all created things.

The Body of God is manifested in the many races of humankind so there is no place for prejudice or hate. God sees all as beautiful, precious, and beloved.  The next time you want to pass up someone who is old or of another culture, remember that they are part of the Body of God, and show them respect.  

 


 

 

 

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