PHOTO: Reuters/BP Live Video Feed
The AP article written by Colleen Long and Matthew Daly is one among many that mention the need to monitor the sea bed in the Gulf for possible leaks resulting from undetected damage to BP's well deep under the ocean floor that may be exacerbated by increased pressure caused by capping the well.
Until the past few days, I had not considered effects capping the well would have other than finally shutting down the gushing plumes of oil fouling the Gulf. Why was the news that the sea floor itself could be compromised surprising? It is logical, and it points to a reality we too often overlook: Everything in our world, in the universe, in interconnected; Everything.
Perhaps this truth, like the axiom "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," is obvious and therefore ignored. The "Butterfly Effect," once news, is rarely considered. Yes, if a butterfly flaps its wings in New York, climate can be effected half-way around the globe. An intriguing thought, but what does it have to do with me?
Everything. What I do, from how I speak to a family member to what I consume, to how long a shower I take, effects others and our earth. This truth is easy and convenient to forget. The Deepwater disaster shoves it into our collective face.
I pray for wisdom for the scientists who are advising our government and the oil companies. I pray for wisdom for those making decisions that will effect our environment for decades. I pray for wisdom for myself, wisdom and courage, to consider my actions, my habits, my consumption of material goods in light of the interconnectedness of all things physical, emotional, and spiritual, and to choose with the greater good in mind.
Intentionality is a spiritual issue. We are not perfect. Neither is our world. Still, Catholic theology tells us the the world we live in is important; it is through the world and its inhabitants that we expereince the Creator of it all. It is a holy gift evidenced by the incarnation. We are not to live with heaven only as a goal, but must care for and love our earthly home and the life that it supports.
Reading these words in the AP article, "...engineers have been watching underwater cameras and monitoring pressure and seismic readings to see whether the well would hold or spring a new leak, perhaps one that could rupture the sea floor and make the disaster even worse." chilled my heart.
Perhaps the possibility will be enough to jolt our minds and hearts and bring to consciousness again the truth of interdependence of all creation and our responsibility to live accordingly.
© 2010 Mary van Balen
The AP article written by Colleen Long and Matthew Daly is one among many that mention the need to monitor the sea bed in the Gulf for possible leaks resulting from undetected damage to BP's well deep under the ocean floor that may be exacerbated by increased pressure caused by capping the well.Until the past few days, I had not considered effects capping the well would have other than finally shutting down the gushing plumes of oil fouling the Gulf. Why was the news that the sea floor itself could be compromised surprising? It is logical, and it points to a reality we too often overlook: Everything in our world, in the universe, in interconnected; Everything.
Perhaps this truth, like the axiom "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," is obvious and therefore ignored. The "Butterfly Effect," once news, is rarely considered. Yes, if a butterfly flaps its wings in New York, climate can be effected half-way around the globe. An intriguing thought, but what does it have to do with me?
Everything. What I do, from how I speak to a family member to what I consume, to how long a shower I take, effects others and our earth. This truth is easy and convenient to forget. The Deepwater disaster shoves it into our collective face.
I pray for wisdom for the scientists who are advising our government and the oil companies. I pray for wisdom for those making decisions that will effect our environment for decades. I pray for wisdom for myself, wisdom and courage, to consider my actions, my habits, my consumption of material goods in light of the interconnectedness of all things physical, emotional, and spiritual, and to choose with the greater good in mind.
Intentionality is a spiritual issue. We are not perfect. Neither is our world. Still, Catholic theology tells us the the world we live in is important; it is through the world and its inhabitants that we expereince the Creator of it all. It is a holy gift evidenced by the incarnation. We are not to live with heaven only as a goal, but must care for and love our earthly home and the life that it supports.
Reading these words in the AP article, "...engineers have been watching underwater cameras and monitoring pressure and seismic readings to see whether the well would hold or spring a new leak, perhaps one that could rupture the sea floor and make the disaster even worse." chilled my heart.
Perhaps the possibility will be enough to jolt our minds and hearts and bring to consciousness again the truth of interdependence of all creation and our responsibility to live accordingly.
© 2010 Mary van Balen