It sounds somewhat weird, as at first reading it seems to have no meaning and definitely makes no sense.
However, if we relate this to our living world of today we may find some connection as to what is happening around us.
Our world is suffering from centuries of neglect.
We as custodians of our planet have been slowly choking the resources that have been provided to us by our Maker.
Our God gave us all that we required to exist peacefully together and to share with each other.
But somewhere along the course of history, we as humans identified our ability to draw wealth from the bounty supplied; we wanted more than just an individual share, we saw that by personal accumulation of these natural resources we could profit greatly for ourself and our direct cohorts.
But we, being greedy instinctively, fought hard to protect the hard-won gains and refused to offer them freely to others in need unless payment was received — so others tried to take the resources for themselves.
This led to conflict; wars broke out, friends became enemies, families became separated, countries became divided.
And Mother Earth suffered, and is still suffering today, as we find that the need to satisfy that greed still drives us on.
One need only to look at the great divide that separates the “haves” from the “have nots”, look at the destruction of the rainforests that have been cleared to provide wealth for some, while providing nothing in return for the natural inhabitants of those regions, not to mention the lost animals.
Look at the destruction of natural waterways, our oceans and the destruction of the natural and sacred lands throughout the world as we seek wealth through the exploration for oil, minerals and precious gems without a thought to making good again the destruction that has been made.
While we all identify the fact that that we need to continue to provide for the needs of the world we must go about the supply in an appropriate and sustainable manner, a manner that can be shared freely, if possible, by all nations.
We must attempt to reduce the division that draws apart families, friends, communities and nations and live more harmoniously with the beautiful world that God has provided.
As our Earth has been around for many billions of years, and we as the current inhabitants have been here for only a very short time, that little verse at the beginning of this now becomes relevant.
Mother Earth will continue to exist, but if we don’t change our ways, will we?
— Bob Cooper, St Mary’s Parish, Echuca
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