August 18, 2005
I recently had the privilege of going to North Pole, Alaska for a Youth 2000 retreat. What an amazing land! We experienced perpetual sunlight, wild animals, real mountains, and the raw beauty of God’s creation everywhere. As a nature-loving Franciscan, I just “felt” close to God while in Alaska. It was very hard to come back to New York.
During the long plane ride back to the concrete jungle, I was complaining to the Lord in my prayer: “Lord, I could really sense your presence in the awesome beauty of your creation. Why did you call me to the inner city of New York?! It can be an ugly and anti-human environment at times. I love the beauty and peace of your presence in Alaska.”
I could imagine the Lord answering me: “How much more beautiful is My presence in the poor! Men and women created in My image and likeness who will live forever.”
God bless you; let us pray for each other,
Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR
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