Finding God in a Leaf: The Mysticism of Laudato Si'

by Brian Grogan

God, Pope Francis affirms, is present in nature, and he wants us to share that perspective, because he believes that it can generate in us a sense of wonder, awe, reverence and love for nature in all its aspects. This sense will make us strong enough to dedicate ourselves to the demanding task of caring for what he calls ‘our common home.’ When my home is under threat I will fight tooth and nail to protect it and those living in it, because I love it. Such commitment is needed today if our small and fragile planet is to be brought back to health. Brian Grogan brings the background of Ignatian spirituality and a lived appreciation of God’s creation to his book of meditations on Pope Francis’ Encyclical, Laudato Si. Rather than an exhaustive explanation of the encyclical, this book serves as a daily invitation to notice in ordinary creation the invitation of God to love and care for all God’s creation. Read slowly each morning, it could give a focus for living the day in recognising God in all things, and the call of God to be a co-creator of his beautiful world each day.

65 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2021

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grogon's short book is an excellent entry into Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si. This book contains short but meaningful reflections, a month's worth, on the encyclical about the care of Creation which includes all creatures: nonliving, living, and human. Grogan references the encyclical throughout. The encyclical is complete with good ecololgical and environmental studies, scripture, and church teaching but is a bit dense. Grogan's book is a great companion focusing on spirituality and our relationship with God. Grogan's book makes a great private devotional or might be used as a group study with the encyclical.

The book has an Introduction, two parts, a Postscript, and a Further Reading section. Part One: The Doors of Perception has 13 entires and a summary. Par Two: Repair My House has two entries.

Highly recommended for those concerned about Creation (nature and the environment), those looking for an entry into Laudato Si, and those looking for a Christian perspective on nature.