To live, we must daily break the body and shed the blood of Creation. When we do this knowingly, lovingly, skillfully, reverently, it is a sacrament. When we do it ignorantly, greedily, clumsily, destructively, it is a desecration. In such desecration we condemn ourselves to spiritual and moral loneliness, and others to want.

Summary

This quote suggests that in order to sustain our existence, we inevitably consume and exploit the resources of the world. However, the intent and manner in which we do so hold significance. When we approach the act of consuming and expending resources with knowledge, love, skill, and reverence, it becomes a sacred act or sacrament. In contrast, if we engage in this process ignorantly, greedily, clumsily, and destructively, it becomes a desecration. Such desecration leads to a sense of spiritual and moral isolation for ourselves and deprives others of their basic needs.

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