Jao Resari (third from right) visiting the Reforestation Project, Bantolinao Farm, with John Din (third from left), fellow Columban missionaries and local farmers. Photo: Jao Resari
Many years ago, I encountered a tree so striking that I had to stop and stand beside it for a long time, simply taking it in. It stood tall and strong atop a massive rock, its roots winding through cracks and crevices in the hard rock, finding their way forward, while its branches reached towards the sky despite the tree’s harsh and unlikely foundation.
I found myself in awe, drawn into quiet contemplation by its presence. For me, the tree became an image of quiet resilience in the face of obstacles. What stayed with me most was its silent lesson in facing challenges the same way, continuing to move forward even when circumstances seem overwhelming or impossible.
I carry this memory as an invitation not only to recognise the wounds of our world and see ecological crisis, social inequality and deep spiritual hunger as daunting challenges, but also to receive them as profound opportunities to witness God’s presence calling us to respond to the needs of our time. Just as the tree found its way through rock, we too are called to hold fast to faith and to notice the quiet possibilities for renewal within creation, within communities and within God’s call for each one of us.
Integrating ecological awareness into my daily life and ministry remains a challenge. Yet it also opens an opportunity to live and witness to an integral mission that holds together faith, justice and care for creation. I feel invited to be more intentional about my lifestyle choices and more attentive in prayer to God’s presence within all of creation.
More and more, I feel called to grow in ecological conversion, an ongoing journey that invites deeper awareness and more consistent choices as I integrate care for creation into my life. My sense of gratitude and reverence has deepened, helping me become more mindful of my actions and decisions. Looking ahead, I am drawn to engage more in community initiatives that will help me grow as a responsible steward of God’s creation, walking alongside those who have experience and wisdom in ecological advocacy.
The following prayer was shared during the Online Laudato Si’ Animators Program, which I participated in last November.
Prayer of Intercession
Loving God,
We ask for open minds, open hearts and an open will, so that we can be alert and able to identify solutions to complex problems on Earth, in our Church and within communities around the world.
We ask for your wisdom and perseverance to develop Gospel based responses to the urgent ecological, social and cultural crises we face. Allow us to draw others closer to Jesus Christ, our Saviour and brother.
Amen.
Columban lay missionary Jao Resari lives and works in Taiwan.
Listen to "Rooted in faith, growing in hope"
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - September/October 2026
