Tom and Earth-Centered Spirituality

It was only in the last few years that Carole and I got to know Tom well. Before that he had been to us a much admired figure of heroic proportions, one who combined a gift of penetrating analysis with strong determination. We had read his articles in this newsletter expecting to find them informative and engaging, and we were never disappointed. We had also participated in a few Good Friday witness marches with CPF, and we saw Tom there, an obvious leader, yet never obtrusive. We got the impression that a posture of confrontation was particularly difficult for a person of his gentle nature, but never so difficult that it prevented him from showing up.

A few years ago we responded to a notice in the newsletter announcing a study group on earth-centered spirituality. It corresponded to some broad interests that Carole and I already had. I called the number and was surprised (although I should not have been) to hear Tom's voice on the other end extending a gracious invitation to participate. At the first session it was obvious that Tom was the chief mover behind this enterprise as well. He arrived at the discussion site with the key to open the front door and the video to start the discussion. For the first session he even brought some refreshments, (For subsequent sessions the discussion was so lively that nobody even thought about refreshments.)

Over the next three years or so, the monthly sessions gave us the opportunity to know Tom much better. Knowing his strong concern for issues of war and peace, one might have expected this perspective to color all his comments. In fact he showed that his mind was broad enough to engage fully in these discussions on their own terms, and I was impressed by his humble eagerness to learn. Not that he was starting from a position of ignorance. He had been a long-time member of the Teilhard Society and was familiar with the thought of neo-Teilhardians like Thomas Berry and Brian Swimme. I know that about two years ago he participated in an earth-centered week of retreat at Genesis Farm, and he attended a number of conferences on science and religion, earth-centered spirituality, and ecological concerns. He also joined a local watershed association and participated in political advocacy with environmentalists.

Tom contributed much to the discussion, and his comments gave us a hint of his broad range of experience and the depth of his reflections. Yet, he was most of all a listener. The group itself, though modest in number, was an extraordinary one, articulate and diverse. Tom's gentle leadership enabled the sharing that enriched us all.

About a year ago, there arose a feeling among the participants that we had exhausted the readily available materials and were beginning to retread old ground. It was suggested that the group had fulfilled its purpose and the members should move on. Tom did not flinch. On this occasion he showed a sublime ability to let go.

A year later, he was called on (much too soon!) to let go of life itself. His memory continues to live among us.

Dom Roberti

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