''When you see it bud, you know that summer is now near.''

In today's gospel, Jesus uses the example of a fig tree. ''When you see it bud, you know that summer is now near.'' (Luke 21:29-33). Jesus is teaching us that if we can understand what is going on in nature, we should be able to see the signs that the kingdom of God is near. Jesus used many examples from nature; a mustard seed that represents faith, the good tree that produces good fruit, the lilies of the field, the birds of the air. Jesus was familiar with nature and had a great love of it in all its forms. He appreciated everything on earth as part of God's essential creation. Pope Francis wrote his important encyclical ''Laudato Si'' urging us to have the same mind as Jesus had and to care for our common home. Our Mother Earth is crying out because of the harm we have inflicted on it by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God endowed her. He speaks of the enormous complex biodiversity of the rainforests. Although they only cover 7% of the earth's surface, they contain more than half of the world's species. We are not living in the Amazon forest but we can thank God that the present Brasilian government is working to diminish the deforestation there. Then we can develop the habit of really looking at the trees, flowers and other plants that surround us so that we can see their beauty, thank God for it and do our best to preserve and increase it. We are loving God when we appreciate and care for his creation. Pope Francis wrote this prayer at the end of ''Laudato Si''. ''All powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.Pour out upon us the power of your love that we may contemplate you in the beauty of the universe. Amen.