“Hoarfrost and snow, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever” (Daniel 3:70). Today we can celebrate the first snowfall of the year in Central Minnesota, and appreciate the changing of the seasons it brings to our community. In the Canticle of Brother Sun, St. Francis observes that it is “Sister Mother Earth, who sustains us and governs us.” As Sister Mother Earth dons her white garb today, we can ponder the wisdom that this too sustains us, and governs us in a benevolent and nurturing way. We can then join with St. Francis and ourselves exclaim, “Praised be you, my Lord.”

(photo: Sherburne County, November 14, 2022)