September 16.  On their eco-safari the family had spent a couple of weeks travelling and sleeping in many different places.  Sometimes it had been more or less rough than at other times. One night they shared where they had felt most close to God.  Michael had loved any place where they could see animals, Mom was at peace with the quietness of birdlife.  Pauline had to admit that city life did have an appeal for her. “I can’t say though that I feel close to God there.  That was more in nature too.”  Little Melody was happy that they had been able to visit the UShaka theme park but also said she liked to pray at home, saying her special little morning prayer. They decided to spend time reflecting on the value of their interdependence.     

Scripture: When I awake I shall be filled with the vision of your presence, O Lord. Psalm 17:15.  Pope Francis: When we can see God reflected in all that exists our hearts are moved to praise the Lord for all his creatures and to worship him in union with them as St Francis did. LS 87. A Christian lifestyle, witnessed to by families, is in itself a form of evangelization and the foundation of remote marriage preparation. It is in the family, the domestic church, that Christian parents are the first witnesses and educators of the children both in the growth of “faith, hope and charity”, and in each child discovering his or her own vocation. PCF Prep 28. 

ECO-TIP AND PRAYER:  As a family make a commitment to pray St Francis hymn of praise of creation regularly, ideally out in nature. (google and download) “ Praised be you my Lord with all your creatures, especially Brother Sun, through whom you give us light  sister moon and the stars, in heaven you formed them clear and precious and beautiful, brother fire through whom you light the night and sister water who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste……………  Reflect and share.