The Creation Spirituality Lineage Calling All Social and Environmental Activists, Mystic Explorers, Justice Makers, Cosmic Thinkers, Earth Keepers Daily Meditations with Matthew Fox |
Heschel & Hildegard on
Thanksgiving, Praise & What It Means to be Human 11/22/2023 |
It seems to me that Rabbi Abraham Heschel offers a deep insight into this most important question: “What does it mean to be human?” |
Heschel says that it is humanity’s role to articulate the “silent worship” of all beings. Indeed, The
cosmos is a congregation in need of a Cantor…It is humanity who is the Cantor of the universe, and in whose life the secret of cosmic prayer is disclosed. |
“Creation Calls” composed and sung by Brian Doerksen. Brad
F. |
We are the ones with a special larynx and fifth chakra whose primary task is to praise. To praise is to honor and give thanks. We do it—or ought to do it—in the name of all of creation. Our prayer is meant to be a “cosmic prayer” and there is a secret reverence behind it. “Praise precedes faith” he informs us. All humans are called to praise. |
“All Creation, Bless the Lord” – a Taize-style chant for Creationtide. | We do not sing alone. Other beings join in—and we join in with other beings. When we sing, we sing for all things….The universe is a score of eternal music, and we are the cry, we are the voice.* |
Hildegard agrees with Heschel when she says: The blowing wind, the mild, moist air, the exquisite greening of trees
and grasses—in their beginning, in their ending, they give God their praise. And again, |
The fire has its flames and praises God.
The wind blows the flame and praises God.
In the voice we hear the word which praises God.
And the word when heard, praises
God.
So all of creation is a song of praise to God. |
Hildegard’s chant, “O Viridissima Virga,” describes the Virgin Mary as “a branch of freshest green,” in whom bloomed so beautiful a flow’r, whose fragrance wakened all the spices from their dried-out stupor.” |
Hildegard calls the human soul “a symphony”—and so too is creation itself. “All of creation is a symphony of the Holy Spirit which is joy and jubilation.” Music for Hildegard is creation “rebounding to the celestial Creator with a single voice of exultation and joy and the giving of thanks.” Good food here for Thanksgiving time. |
Queries for Contemplation How do these observations by Hildegard and Heschel on joy and music, praise and thanksgiving, nurture your Thanksgiving meditations in a trying time? |
Responses are welcomed. To add your comment, or read other comments and enter into dialog, please click HERE to go to our website
and scroll down to the Comments field. |
Hildegard of Bingen, A Saint for Our Times: Unleashing Her Power in the 21st Century
Matthew Fox writes in Hildegard of Bingen about this
amazing woman and what we can learn from her.
In an era when women were marginalized, Hildegard was an outspoken, controversial figure. Yet so visionary was her insight that she was sought out by kings, popes, abbots, and bishops for advice.
“This book gives strong, sterling, and unvarnished evidence that everything – everything – we
ourselves become will affect what women after us may also become….This is a truly marvelous, useful, profound, and creative book.” ~~ Andrew Harvey, author of The Hope: A Guide to Sacred Activism. |
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Illuminations of Hildegard of Bingen
An introduction to the life and work of Hildegard of Bingen, Illuminations reveals the life and teachings of one of the greatest female artists and intellectuals
of the Western Mystical Tradition. At the age of 42, she began to have visions; these were captured as 36 illuminations–24 of which are recorded in this book along with her commentaries on them.
“If one person deserves credit for the great Hildegard renaissance in our time, it is Matthew Fox.” – Dr Mary Ford-Grabowsky, author of Sacred Voices. |
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In the Beginning There Was Joy: A Cosmic Celebration for Kids of All Ages
The first book in the Father Fox’s Fantastical Fables series tells the story of the big bang and how humans fit into the awesome, fantastical,
cosmic picture! In this full-color, beautifully illustrated book, world- renowned theologian Matthew Fox weaves together modern science and classic spirituality in a whimsical, entertaining format to illustrate important truths to readers aged 4 and up. With artwork curated from illustrators around the world, this book expresses the joy and wonder of all peoples and cultures, planting seeds of respect, cooperation and hope to work together for the healing of our planet.
Receive a 20% discount when you buy this and one other book from Matthew Fox’s store! Use Promo Code 20% at checkout.
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_____________________________________________________________________________________ UPCOMING EVENTS See Matthew Fox's full calendar HERE SPECIAL EVENT: 5-DAY WORKSHOP IN AQUINAS’ HOMETOWN OF ORVIETO, ITALY
WITH MATTHEW FOX, MESHI CHAVEZ, AND CLAUDIA PICARDI
JUNE 9-14, 2024
LEARN MORE HERE. |
Join Matthew
Fox as he discusses his book “Confessions: The Making of a Post-Denominational Priest ” in an Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat.Thursday, January 18, 4:00-6:00 pm PT Register HERE |
Join Matthew Fox as he lectures on “What the Mystics Tell Us About Dying “ at the Conference on Death, Grief and Belief, “Emerging Spiritualities: Death and Bereavement Across the Spiritual Spectrum,” Saturday, January 20, 9:00am – 5:00pm
PT Register HERE |
Join Matthew Fox as he discusses his book “The Lotus & The Rose” in an Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat. Thursday, February 15, 4:00-6:00 pm PT Register HERE |
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Creation Spirituality Conversations |
Hunger for Wholeness: What is Wholeness in the Midst of Crisis with Matthew Fox (Part 1) In the midst of increased violence between Israel and Palestine, Ilia Delio and theologian
Matthew Fox discuss the state of the world today and how to have courage in Part 1 of their conversation. Ilia and Matt discuss his mentor, Marie Dominique Chenu, the influence of liberation theology on social justice in the church today, and what can still be learned.
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Inspired by this post? Share your insights on Universeodon, Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #RevDrMatthewFox and tag Matt with @RevDrMatthewFox FOLLOW MATTHEW FOX: |
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