O King, by the grace of God I was born into this world; and when I had considered the heavens and the earth and the seas, and had noticed the sun and all the rest of creation, I was amazed at the beauty of the world. And I realised that the world and all that is in it and also around it are moved by the power of another being; and I understood that He who is moving them is God, who is hidden in them, and veiled by them. ( ARISTIDES OF ATHENS, THE APOLOGY, 1,1)

At first sight, one might think that the above quotation has Franciscan spirituality basics. But actually this text was written in the primitive Church dating back around 120-130 A.D.
St. Aristides of Athens was an apologist of the early Church. He wrote to the Emperor Hadrian to defend Christianity and the faith of the early Christians. The above text is only a small part of the introduction of his letter containing a wonderful presentation of the Creed of the early Church.

REFLECTION
Creation is handwritten by God. It is the other “Holy Scripture” according to the teaching of the Church Fathers. Anyone can adore God through creation and life. Creation enriches the heart of the oppressed, gives a breath to the breathless, marvels humanity with its wonders! It helps many understand that God governs the universe because God is love. This love is expressed and written by God Almighty in creation.
“I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible….” ( The Creed )

PRAYER : THE CANTICLE OF BROTHER SUN – ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
……Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him.
And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiful……..

fr. sandro