summarily dismissed; and then another false narrative appears. It never
ends”
How do I reconcile the warmth of Saint Thomas Aquinas‘ teachings, the pressing #circle of environmental challenges outlined in On Care for Our Common Home, and the persistent circle of dismissed concerns mentioned in Bishop Zurek’s A Reflection on Christian Life, with the enduring strength of the windbreak my father planted at The Glenn, as I sit among my own circle of faith, seeking clarity and justice, and hear the words, “And looking around at those seated in the circle“❓
Gospel
The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house.
Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him.
A crowd seated around him told him,
“Your mother and your brothers and your sisters
are outside asking for you.”
But he said to them in reply,
“Who are my mother and my brothers?”
And looking around at those seated in the circle he said,
“Here are my mother and my brothers.
For whoever does the will of God
is my brother and sister and mother.”
Lectio Divina Reflection on “circle“
The word “circle” often evokes an image of unity and completeness, yet today, I find myself wondering how much of my life is shaped by circles that seem unending. In Bishop Zurek’s letter, he described a vicious “circle” of accusations, explanations, and dismissals. Reading this, I feel caught in a narrative loop, a circle of misunderstandings that leaves me questioning whether clarity and reconciliation are even possible. For Saint Thomas Aquinas, whose feast we celebrate, the circle represented something perfect—unity with God’s eternal wisdom. Why does my own circle feel so different❓
In On Care for Our Common Home, the image of a warming planet comes with its own circles—vicious ones. The disruption of the carbon cycle leads to further imbalance, intensifying climate change and creating a cycle of harm that spirals out of control. As I reflect on this, I see the parallels between these environmental circles and the cycles of injustice and harm in our communities. What will it take to break these destructive circles and create ones of healing instead❓
At The Glenn, the tree windbreak that my father planted years ago forms a natural circle of protection and peace. This circle, though simple, reminds me of the quiet strength that can come from planting seeds of care and love. It inspires me to ask what circles of protection and renewal I might cultivate in my own life—both for the earth and for those who, like me, have felt dismissed or overlooked.
Prayer 125 John Paul Circle in Panhandle
The “circle” of faith, embodied in the community of believers, is where I should find strength. But as I sit among others in prayer, I feel the weight of exclusion. Am I truly part of this circle, or am I on its periphery, endlessly trying to re-enter❓ Can this circle, centered on Christ, become a place of inclusion, of genuine understanding❓
And so, I return to the image of Jesus, seated with those around Him, fully present to each person. What would He see if He looked around at my circles—the circles I have built, the ones I have broken, and the ones I long to restore❓ What would He say to me as I reflect on my life’s cycles, as I sit quietly, hoping to belong❓ Would I feel His gaze of understanding and love…
Warming has effects on the carbon cycle. It creates a vicious circle which aggravates the situation even more, affecting the availability of essential resources like drinking water, energy and agricultural production in warmer regions, and leading to the extinction of part of the planet’s biodiversity.
FROM PARAGRAPH 123 of ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME