Creation’s beauty is ultimately rooted in the reality that it draws us back into beholding its Creator, our Creator. God made us to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him forever in heaven. Story has it that when St. Charles Borremeo asked St. Philip Neri if he wanted to become a Cardinal, Philip responded by saying “Preferisco Paradiso.” “I would prefer Heaven.”
While National Parks and their beauty appear to be the epitome of nature, the source and summit of worship and the Christian life is the Eucharist. So while Creation draws us back to God, it cannot satisfy our need to be united with Him and worship Him. As we enjoy our time in Creation such as national parks, forests, and other wilderness, let us remember that our hope should be to one day hear the words “Well done good and faithful servant, welcome to Paradiso.”
