Tuesday, October 27, 2020
We normally don’t think of whales as being in the Mediterranean, but eight different species of whales and dolphins inhabit the Pelagos Sanctuary close to the Spanish coast, including sperm whales. Not so long ago a dead sperm whale was found on a Spanish beach. It weighed significantly less than others of his species.
The whale had died of peritonitis because it had been unable to expel what it had ingested: 64 pounds of trash including garbage bags, polypropylene sacks, ropes, net segments, and a drum. At least 30 sperm whales have ended up on the beaches of England and the Benelux countries, one with a plastic car engine cover.
They are not the only creatures that have become victims of our negligence. I had to chase a seagull away from a discarded mask in a grocery store parking lot. And I am sure it was not the first time a seagull had tried to pick up a discarded mask. Then carefully with vinyl gloved hands, I picked up the mask and disposed of it. It makes me so angry that sometimes I wish people would choke on their own litter.
Prayer for the Day
Sovereign God, we cannot fathom your infinity
Yet you are as intimate as love itself;
Forgive us, we pray, when we forget that you are God
And act as if this world is ours alone.
Infuse us with your redeeming grace and understanding
So we truly care for the world and all your creatures.
In the name of him who walked among the lilies,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have become global garbage cans.
Jacques Yves-Cousteau, conservationist (1910–1997)
The human race is challenged more than ever before to demonstrate our mastery not over nature but of ourselves.
Rachel Carson, conservationist (1907–1964)
You make springs gush forth in the valleys
they flow between the hills,
giving drink to every wild animal;
the wild asses quench their thirst.
By the streams the birds of the air have their habitation;
they sing among the branches.
From your lofty abode you water the mountains;
the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.
Psalm 104:10–13