In the midst of all the turmoil around us, I look for bees. The few I see are all over the lavender in my garden. The first honey bees on this continent were actually brought by the early 17th century European colonists who settled our shore knew. that bees pollinate our fruit. We used to have far more bees than we do now, primarily because of the proliferation of pesticides. And this is a serious problem for our future.
Neonics, sold under such brand names as Ortho Bug B Gone and GrubZ out, stay in the soil for years. Not only do these products and many others kill grubs but spiders, ants, and fleas, but they kill bees, butterflies, and earthworms. And, if you think about it, spiders eat many of the bugs we don’t want, so why would you kill one?
This harmful class of pesticide also seeps into our groundwater, eventually into rivers and streams. A 2015 study showed neonic pollution in more than half of the streams sampled, and the EPA in 2023 stated such pesticides were driving over 200 species to extinction. There are organic solutions to pest control. We should use them.
Prayer for the Day
Joining with all creation, we of the earth sing of your glory,
For you, O God, inspire such awe in us that we tremble;
But even as your glory resounds in our ears, we are caught in trivia,
And are vexed by the many things that seize our days.
Reveal your light through the faces of those around us
And infuse in us an understanding of other thoughts and ways,
As did our Example, the One we follow,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen
Thoughts for the Day
The bee collects honey from flowers in such a way as to do the least damage or destruction to them, and he leaves them whole, undamaged and fresh, just as he found them.
Francis De Sales, Catholic bishop who preached tolerance (1567-1622)
Bees are a key part of keeping nature in balance. From their important job of pollination to the amazing things that make them special, bees deserve our care and protection
From Save the Bees USA
My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet.
Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, you will find a future,
And your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 24: 13-14